Pillars m the temple ; 

OR, 

SKETCHES OF DECEASED LAYM'EN 

OF THE 

DISTINGUISHED AS EXAMPLES OF PIETY AND USEFULNESS 



CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED. 



By Rev. WM. C. SMITH, 

OF THE NEW YORK ( OXFEF*ENCE. 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY C. C. NORTH. 



NEW YORK: 
CAELTOX & LA N A H A X. 

SAN FRANCISCO: E. THOMAS. 
CINCINNATI: HITCHCOCK & AT A L D E X. 
1872, 




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1372, by 

CARLTON & LANAHAN, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



PEEFAOE. 



THE sketches of the men whose narratives 
are recorded here we have felt were too 
valuable to be lost. 

An earnest desire to embody them in a per- 
manent and available* form for the comfort 
and satisfaction of surviving friends, and the 
spiritual benefit of all who may be pleased to 
read them, led to the conception and execution 
of this work. This, indeed, has been the all- 
inspiring thought. 

Next to the Bible, religious biography con- 
tributed more to my salvation in childhood than 
all the other books I ever read. Never while 
memory endures can I forget its influence in 
molding my character, and shaping my destiny 
when a Sunday-school boy, more than forty 
years ago. ' 

These men, with " single eye " and fixed pur- 
pose to glorify God, worked their way up in the 
world, surmounted difficulties, attained distinc- 
tion and honor among men, became " Pillars. 



4 



PKEFACE. 



in the Temple," and now, " being dead, yet 
speak." 

The preparation of this volume and giving it 
to the public has been attended with consider- 
able labor and anxiety. Besides personal ac- 
quaintance with* many of the subjects of these 
sketches, we have had recourse for our material 
to correspondence, Church journals, published 
reports, and public and private libraries. 

We also acknowledge important aid from 
many prominent ministers and laymen of our 
Church. 

If our work shall bring consolation to the 
bereaved, do good in the world, and thereby 
accomplish the design of the author, all who 
have in any way aided us in its preparation will 
not lose their reward. ¥. C. Smith. 

New York. 



mTEODUOTIOK 



THE Church stands aghast at the sudden death- 
shocks which of late have come upon her. 
Forms of strength and beauty, to which the eyes 
of the people have turned with confidence and 
delight, have rapidly disappeared, and as the hosts 
of the Lord pass on with sublime tread, the heroic 
mien and cheering voice of many a leader are seen 
and heard no more. As Methodists, we are pass- 
ing through a new and sad experience. 

Until a short period our standard-bearers have 
disappeared one by one, like single stars in the 
heavens ; but recently they have gone out in clus- 
ters, leaving vast spaces which God alone can fill. 
The fact that three of our Bishops have gone down 
under the burdens of the Episcopal office within 
two years has perhaps attracted the gaze of the 
Church more particularly to the ministry ; but the 
havoc has been really no less among the laity. 
With each fallen minister lies a prostrate layman. 
Having kept company in the Church militant, they 
go up in couples to the Church triumphant. 
Kennedy and Moore, Thomson and Wright, Ha- 
gany and Odell, Kingsley and Ross, M'Clintock and 
Cornell, Nadal and Cobb, Foss and Halsted, Clark 
and Stout — these, and such as these, have co- 
operated in the work of the Church ; they have 
sprung from the same Methodistic origin, have 
exhibited the same devotion, have glorified God in 



6 



Introduction. 



the same fields of labor ; why then should they of 
the ministry alone be perpetuated in biography? 

The author of the present volume has seen and 
felt all this. Having given to the public " Sacred 
Memories," wherein he selects from the ministry the 
names he would render illustrious, he now turns to 
the larger hosts of the laity, and gathers for the 
Church the rich treasures with which this volume 
abounds. 

It is of necessity a work of selection. The author 
might have found in every community sub- 
jects worthy of biography. From his central posi- 
tion in the metropolis of Xe w York he needed only 
to raise the inquiry, and every Church would have 
offered the records of some venerated founder. But 
he has wisely confined his choice of names to a few 
only, and especially to those best known to himself. 
It is to be hoped, that the present work is the fore- 
runner of others. The field of laborious lives and 
triumphant deaths among the laity is rich and ripe, 
and a thousand sickles will not exhaust the harvest. 

It is opportune to bring out this volume in this 
epoch of our Church history, since, by the recent 
concurrent action of the great body, in form and 
substance the ministry and laity in legislation and 
labor are to be one. 

As this record of honored laymen is pondered, 
may a new inspiration fall upon us who survive! and 
may the courage and zeal which marked their lives 
be so infused into the whole body that every man's 
life shall be a record of labor, and every man's 
death a moment of victory ! C. C. North. 



CO^TEIn TS. 



Date of Death. 



Armstrong-, Thomas 

Barker, James W 

Eeale, Joshua 

Brown, Albert N 

Civill, Anthony 

Claelin, Lee 

Cobb, George T 

Cornell, William W 

Dana, Amasa 

Davenport, Samuel S 

Demorest, David 

Deveau, Samuel 

Doolittle, Amzi 

Edwards, John B 

Hall, Francis 

Hall, Jonathan 

Hanford, Andrew 

Halsted, Schueeman 

Harper, James 

Harper, Joseph Wesley. 

Hart, Gilbert B 

Henry, Eobert 

La Due, Alfred A 

M'Lean, John 

Mead, Ealph 

Minard, Abel 

Mooee, Henry 

Newman, Allen 

Oakley, James B 

Odell, Moses F 

Eoss, Daniel L 

Schuyler, Thomas 

Stout, Theodore B 

Sudlow, John 

Taylor, Elisha 

Wickens, Stephen B 

Wright, Joseph A 



November 14, 1868 
June 26, 1869 
November 16, 1870 
January 3, 1S67 
Januarv 12, 1871 
February 23, 1871 
August 6, 1870 
March 17, 1870 
December 23, 1867 
February 12, 1867 
January 20, 1866 
August 11, 1S71 
November 6, 1863 
April 10, 1862 
August 11, 1866 
September 9, 1868 
August 5, 1868 
October 5, 1868 
March 27, 1869 
February 14, 1870 
December 1. 1867 
Septemberl6,1869 
November 4, 1861 
April 4, 1861 
July 23, 1866 
January 31, 1871 
February 15, 1860 
August 6, 1866 
November 24, 1867 
June 13, 1866 
February 12, 1868 
September 26, 1866 
August 11, 1870 
October 14, 1867 
December 16, 1868 
May 11, 1867 
May . 11, 1867 



PILLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



HENRY MOORE. 

HENRY MOORE, son of Samuel and Naomi 
Moore, was born in Fort Lee, New Jersey, 
July 29, 1797. He experienced religion when 
sixteen years of age, in the old Duane-street 
Church, New York. 

While attending a series of revival meetings 
in this Church he became deeply awakened, 
His friends tried to induce him to go to the 
altar ; but he said, " I want religion in the pew ; 
Lord, bless me here." But he said afterward 
that a voice kept saying, " Go to the altar and 
get it." He finally made up his mind to go, 
and accordingly followed his brother Richard. 
Scarcely had he put his hands on the altar-rail 
when the Spirit of God met him in great power 
in the pardon of all his sins. He joined the 
Church, and lived a faithful member of the same 
until death. 

Rev. J. A. Roach says, " It is always a mat- 
ter of grief for a Christian pastor to be con- 



10 



Pillars ln t the Temple. 



strained to record the death of a worthy member 
of his flock ; but rarely is the duty so painful as 
in the case of our Brother Henry Moore. He 
was so intimately associated with every thing 
that is good in the Church of his choice, so 
prompt and active in the discharge of all the 
obligations of his spiritual vocation, so untiring 
in the various enterprises that engaged him, so 
happy and useful in the diversified spheres of 
his benevolent and Christian activities — such was 
the light of his example that shone on us, the 
ardor of his piety that warmed us, the force of 
his character that inspired our reverence, kindled 
our zeal, and sustained our purpose— that his 
death is felt to be a public calamity, and his 
removal from the Church on earth justifies 
6 great lamentation.' In all that constitutes 
the highest moral excellence, he was a prince 
and a great man in Israel. He was converted 
to God in the seventeenth year of his age in 
Duane-street Church. At eighteen he experi- 
enced ' the blessing of perfect love,' and for 
more than forty years was a living witness that 
the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. 
He was appointed class-leader in 1819, and was 
licensed for exhortation in 1824. He died on 
the loth of February, 1860, in the sixty-third 
year of his age. He left a wife and four chil- 
dren, all members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church ; and the Seventeenth-street charge, of 



Pillars in the Temple. 



11 



which he was an official member at the time of 
his death, mourns with them their common but 
irreparable loss. In the simplicity of his heart, 
in the singleness of his aim, in the purity- of his 
spirit, in the consecration of all his powers to 
God, we might say of him as Jesus did of 
Nathanael, ' Behold an Israelite indeed, in 
whom is no guile. 5 He was a ripe Christian. 
Though abounding in charity to others, he had 
no reservation of spirit or substance. He was 
a holocaust to God. He admired the temple of 
Christianity as presenting both strength and 
beauty ; and it was his delight to enter her 
courts, approach her altars, and feel her fires. 
His religion was eminently spiritual ; while he 
was scrupulously exact in the observance of the 
external duties of the Christian, he feasted 
upon the marrow and fatness of the Gospel, and 
spoke of religion as 6 sweeter than honey and 
the honey-comb. 5 One that had narrowly ob- 
served him in daily intercourse for the space 
of ten years, though of a skeptical mind, after 
seeing him in the relations of business, of social, 
of domestic, and of public life, abandoned his 
unbelief, and yielded his heart to God. "Who 
ever knew him, in the days of his youth, to neglect 
attendance upon his class? At what time, as a 
leader, did he fail to be present and improve 
his charge? When did he feel exhortation 
was demanded, and decline the duty ? What 



12 



Pillars in the Temple, 



object of merit ever appealed to him with- 
out a satisfactory response ? Under what cir- 
cumstance in the pursuit of business w T as he 
diverted from the straight line of holy principle 
and practice ? 

" Henry Moore, as a man, had his frailties ; 
but they were amid such an association of bright 
virtues, they were so manifestly the incidents 
of human nature, and were so happily concealed 
from those who best knew him, that they afforded 
but little room for the criticism of even the 
captious. His last affliction was painful and 
protracted, and though at its commencement he 
felt no premonition of his early departure, he 
said he was ready for his Heavenly Father's 
will. During his sickness he enjoyed 6 great 
peace and gracious assurance.' " 

Among his last utterances were the words, 
" Salvation, full, free, complete ! Salvation, 
salvation ! " Living and dying, this was his 
theme. As his numerous friends called to see 
him, his uniform expression w^as, " I am on 
solid rock.' And though amid the winds that 
blew, and the floods that fell, the earthly house 
of his tabernacle was dissolved, his spiritual 
house knew no dissolution, for it was founded 
upon a rock. " When you look at my body," 
he remarked, " do not say Henry Moore is dead, 
but that he lives in a more congenial clime." 
When asked if afraid to die, he answered, " I 



Pillars ln t the Temple. 13 

have the victory over death.' 5 Strength failing 
him, unable to do more, he raised his hands in 
token of triumph, and tried to pronounce, 
" Victory, victory ! halleluiah, halleluiah ! " So 
lived, so died, this precious saint of God, whose 
praise is in all the Churches of New York city ; 
and the future generation, who cannot, like the 
present and the past, enjoy the advantage of 
his example, shall nevertheless find in his 
memory an illustration of the truth of the 
Scripture, that " a good name is better than 
precious ointment," and that the righteous shall 
be had in everlasting remembrance. " My 
father, my father ! the chariot of Israel and the 
horsemen thereof! " What son of the prophets, 
what disciple of the school, has taken up his 
fallen mantle ? 

When dying his brother -sang the hymn com- 
mencing, 

" Thy ceaseless, unexhausted love, 

Unmerited aud free, 
Delights our evil to remove, 

And help our misery. 

When he came to the last verse, 

" Throughout the universe it reigns, 

Unalterably sure, 
And while the truth of God remains. 

His goodness must endure," 

the dying man joined in the singing, and 
repeated the last words of the last line several 
times, Must endure, must endure ! These 



14 



Pillars in the Temple. 



were his last words, He then lifted his 
hands twice toward heaven, and, like Stephen, 
"looked up steadfastly into heaven," and that 
moment the " Lord Jesns " received his spirit. 
Those who were standing around his' bed and 
witnessed the glorious scene, involuntarily ex- 
claimed, Victory, victory! This they felt was 
realized in the triumphant death of Henry-Moore. 

His Christian character was such as readily 
convinced strangers that he was a true Chris- 
tian, " A living espistle, read and known of all 
men/' 

Once a stranger in the city who had started 
out on a Sabbath morning to find a Church, saw 
a man walking along on the sidewalk. He said 
to himself, " That man is a Christian, and I will 
follow him.' 3 He at length found himself in 
the old Allen-street Church, The man uncon- 
sciously guiding the stranger to the house of 
God was Henry Moore. 

The stranger was not mistaken in his man, 
and was led -from that circumstance to seek 
God. 

Among other sayings of the dying saint were 
these, " When I cease to breathe, and when 
you take your last look of me, don't say, He is 
dead. No, I shall not be dead, but alive for- 
ever more ; and no doubt my spirit will then be 
present and endeavor to administer comfort to 
the loved and bereaved ones." 



PlLLAES W THE TEMPLE. 



15 



David Demarest, a friend of the deceased, 
embodied these dying expressions in the follow- 
ing lines: 

"Say not 1 He is dead, 1 though lifeless here 

You see this mortal body lie ; 
1 1 shall with Christ, 1117 Lord, appear ; 

My soul, myself, can never die.' 

" Say not 1 He is dead. 1 ( It is not me 

You see enshrouded for the tomb ; 
O'er death I have the victory. 
And live 'mid Eden's fadeless bloom.' 

" Say not 1 He is dead? ' Companion dear, 

Submissive bow to heaven's will ; 
In Jesus trust ; be of good cheer, 

His promise will be witl^thee still.' 

" Say not 1 He is dead? 1 Dear children all, + 
Brothers beloved, and sisters too, 

I heard my blessed Saviour call, 
And now his glorious face I view.' 

II Say not 1 He is dead." It cannot be, 

■ I live with Christ, my living head ; 
From earthly woes he set me free, 
And now the plaius of light I tread. 

" 'No, Vm not dead, nor distant far, 

That I can ne'er to you return : 
For we God's ministering spirits are, 

And with his purest flame we burn. 5 

" Then when the Master calls for thee, 
You'll cheerfully say, Here, Lord, I am ; 

And, with the blood-washed company, 
Ascribe salvation to the Lamb." 



One that knew him well said he was the 
second Carvosso of our Church, 



16 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Hon. JOHN" AFLEAM, LL.D. 

TOKN" M'LEAj^, an eminent jurist and states- 
J man, was born in Morris County, Xew Jer- 
sey, March 11, 17S5. 

When he was about four years old his father 
removed to the West and settled first at Morgan- 
town, Virginia, and then removed farther west, 
and resided seven years in that part of Virginia 
which was soon after erected into the State of Ken- 
tucky. In 1797 he removed to the Korth-west- 
ern Territory, and settled in the southern part of 
what is now the State of Ohio. Here at a very 
early age John was sent to school, and, for one 
whose opportunities were so limited, he made very 
great proficiency. His father could not send him 
from home to be educated, and he was employed 
in the labors of the farm till his sixteenth year. 

At this age, with the hearty concurrence of 
his parents, John determined to leave home and 
place himself under the instruction of teachers 
who were competent to impart to him a knowl- 
edge of the languages, and other branches of an 
academical course. 

Under the direction and aid of these teachers 
he made rapid advances in the acquisition of a 
thorough education. He generously declined 



Pillars in the Temple. 



17 



all assistance from his father, and determined 
to rely upon his own resources to sustain him 
in his favorite pursuit of knowledge. While 
under the instruction of Mr. Stubbs he taught 
school one quarter, and cleared a piece of land 
for a farmer, to raise funds to meet his expenses 
for tuition and board. This honorable course 
on the part of the youth clearly indicated the 
certainty of his success, while blessed with life 
and health, and furnished assurances to his 
friends of his future greatness. 

When about eighteen years of age he engaged 
to write in the office of the Clerk of Hamilton 
County. Having determined to study and pur- 
sue the law as a profession, this employment not 
only enabled him to support himself and aid 
his father, but invited him directly into the 
practical part of the law. In the agreement he 
reserved a portion of each day to be applied to 
the study of his profession, which he prosecuted 
for three years with good success under the 
direction of Arthur St. Clair, an eminent coun- 
sel, then of Cincinnati. 

During young M'Lean's continuance in the 

clerk's office he was faithful and indefatigable 

in the performance of his double labors He was 

a member of the first debating society formed 

in Cincinnati, and took an active part in all its 

discussions. Here he carefully trained himself 

in those habits of analysis, logic, and extempo- 

2 



IS Pillars in the Temple. 

raneous speaking, which prepared him for his 
future and more important duties of statesman 
and jurist. Here, too, it is probable his aspira- 
tions led him to determine that he would aim 
at an exalted mark, and make the highest in- 
tellectual development and distinction the prize 
of his ambition. 

In the spring of ISO 7 Mr. M'Lean was married 
to Hiss Rebecca Edwards, daughter of Dr. Ed- 
wards, formerly of South Carolina, a lady of 
most estimable character. Soon after her mar- 
riage there was added to her amiable disposition 
and other excellent qualities experimental and 
practical religion, so that she was thoroughly 
prepared for the distinguished position she was 
called to fill ; and for thirty-three years she pre- 
sided over the domestic affairs of her large family 
with much wisdom and discretion. In Decem- 
ber, ISiO, she peaceably passed away from earth 
to her home in heaven. 

In the fall of 1S07 Mr. IFLean was admitted 
to the practice of the law, and settled at Leba- 
non, Ohio. Here his talents, business habits, 
and agreeable manners immediately attracted 
the attention of the people, and he was very soon 
introduced to a lucrative practice at the bar. 
For a time after entering upon the practice of 
his profession he inclined to be skeptical in his 
views of religion. His character, however, for 
integrity was well established, and before his 



Pillars in the Temple. 



19 



conversion he maintained in that community an 
unblemished reputation. Under the ministry 
of Rev. John Collins, of precious memory, one 
of the most faithful, eloquent, and successful 
pioneer Methodist ministers in the western coun- 
try, he was rescued from the dangers of infidel- 
ity, and brought to a knowledge of salvation by 
the remission of sins. This extraordinary change 
took place in 1808 or 1809, on this wise : Mr. Col- 
lins had an appointment to preach in a private 
house at Lebanon. At the time fixed the people 
crowded the rooms, and many had to stand 
about the doors. Among these was Mr. M'Lean, 
who stood where he could hear distinctly, though, 
as he thought, unobserved by the speaker. 
During the discourse, however, he fell under 
the notice of Mr. Collins's keen eye ; and his 
prepossessing and intelligent appearance at- 
tracted, at the first glance, the notice of the 
preacher. He paused a moment and mentally 
offered up a short prayer for the conversion of 
the young man. After Mr. Collins resumed, 
the first word he uttered was " eternity. 55 That 
word was spoken with a voice so solemn and 
impressive, that its full import, it seems, was felt 
by Mr. M'Lean. All things besides appeared 
to be nothing in comparison to it. He soon 
sought an acquaintance with Mr. Collins, and a 
short time after this accompanied him to one of 
his appointments in the country; and, at the 



20 



Pillars in the Temple. 



close of the sermon, lie remained in class to 
inquire "what he must do to be saved." On 
their return to Lebanon Mr. Collins told his 
young friend that he had a request to make of 
him which was reasonable, and he hoped would 
not be rejected. The request was, that he would 
read the New Testament at least fifteen minutes 
every day till his next visit. The promise was 
made and strictly performed. 

At first Mr. M'Lean laid his watch on the 
table before him, so as to be exact as to the time, 
but the interest in the Scriptures so increased 
that the time spent in reading was increased 
daily. After this a covenant was entered into 
by the parties to meet each other at the throne 
of grace at the setting of the sun. The agreed 
suppliants had not continued their daily, united, 
and earnest prayers long before Mr. M'Lean 
was justified by faith, and realized the great 
blessing of " the washing of regeneration and 
renewing of the Holy Ghost." 

It seems his growth in grace was commensu- 
rate with his political advancement, so that, amid 
the temptations of nearly fifty years of public 
life, he was enabled to adorn the doctrine of 
God our Saviour, and "keep himself unspotted 
from the world." 

Mr. M'Lean had a high appreciation of the 
doctrines and discipline of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He was a faithful attendant on 



PlLLAES IK THE TEMPLE 



21 



her public services, and found rich enjoyment 
in the use of the means of grace generally. He 
was always an ardent lover of his class-meeting, 
and, whenever practicable, was constant in his 
attendance at those weekly meetings, When 
at Washington city it was his uniform habit to 
attend class at sunrise every Sunday morning. 
His leader once said, owing to the heavy cross 
he had to bear, he desired the Judge might 
sometimes fail to attend ; but the wish was vain, 
for he was present at every meeting as certainly 
as the leader himself. For a length of time the 
Judge, while in Cincinnati, found a class, met 
by Christopher Smith, of precious memory, 
that suited him exactly ; it was at the hour of 
sunrise, and it is believed he was never absent 
when at home. It is sincerely desired that this 
example will have a good influence on some 
modern Methodists who, so far from attending 
class at sunrise, fail to attend at more conve- 
nient hours. 

Judge M'Lean was ready on all suitable occa- 
sions " to give a reason of the hope that was in 
him with meekness, 5 ' and to defend the truths 
of the Bible, throwing the whole weight of his 
influence into the scale of genuine piety. In- 
deed he was one of those living epistles that 
mav be "known and read of all men," walking; 
worthy of his high vocation. He and his family 
were once in attendance at a camp meeting in 



22 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



Ohio. One of his children, being affected by 
the heat in the crowd, was fretting, and he took 
it into a cooler air near the border of the large 
congregration. While there the person con- 
ducting the meeting called aloud upon all to 
join in prayer. Mr. M'Lean complied by kneel- 
ing before the Lord. A man who knew him 
looked at him with perfect astonishment. He 
inquired in himself, "What motive can influ- 
ence that man to bow down in that humble 
attitude, surrounded here with a careless multi- 
tude who incline to scoff at him and his religion ? 
It can not be a desire for popularity, for he has 
as much of that as any man need to have, and 
that does not seem the right direction to secure 
an increase." Finally he was conducted to the 
conclusion that there was an invisible, fixed 
principle in his heart and conscience, by which 
he was influenced to try to please his God, and 
implore the divine blessing on his fellow-men. 
And he added in his thoughts, " I suppose this 
is what they call religion. If it be wwth the 
acceptance of M'Lean, I ought to receive it. 
If he needs it I much more." At that moment, 
through the agency of the Divine Spirit, he was 
awakened to a sense of his condition and dan- 
ger as a sinner, and commenced praying for 
pardon and salvation, and never rested till he 
was a happy Christian, Some time after he 
related in a love-feast meeting the manner he 



Pillars in the Temple. 



23 



was brought to Christ. Mr. M'Lean may never 
have heard of this case ; yet in the develop- 
ments of the day of judgment he may know 
that through the agency of "the Spirit one sinoer 
was saved by his silently worshiping God on 
his knees. 

For several years prior to the declaration of 
war with England the whole country was great- 
ly excited with the question, and all were ex- 
pected to take sides either for or against the 
measure. Mr. M'Lean identified himself w T ith 
what was then known as the Democratic party, 
and cordially approved of President Madison's 
administration, including his recommendation 
of war. In 1812, at the earnest solicitation of 
his friends. Mr. M'Lean became a candidate to 
represent his district in Congress of the United 
States, and was elected by a large majority. 

His first appearance in Congress was at the 
extra session called in the summer after the dec- 
laration of war. At this session he originated 
a bill, which afterward became a law, to indem- 
nify individuals for property lost or taken for 
the public service during the war. At the en- 
suing session he introduced a resolution instruct- 
ing the appropriate committee to inquire into 
the expediency of granting pensions to the wid- 
ows of officers and soldiers who had fallen in the 
military service of their country. This measure 
of justice soon became a law, and initiated that 



24 



Pillars in the Temple, 



generous policy to which the veterans of the 
Revolution and of the war of 1812 and their 
widows and orphans are indebted for the pen- 
sions and bounties so liberally bestowed 
upon them by their grateful country. These 
important measures were in exact accordance 
with the benevolence of his nature, and contrib- 
uted largely to the well-earned popularity which 
he already possessed. His able and effective 
speech in defense of the prosecution of the war 
was delivered at this session. It was published 
in the leading journals of that day, and fur- 
nished an earnest of that eminence w^hich he 
was destined to attain. Though young, his 
marked ability secured for him a position on 
the two leading committees of the first Congress 
of which he was a member — on Foreign Affairs 
.and the Public Lands. 

In the fall of 1814 he was reelected to Con- 
gress b} 7 a greatly-increased and overwhelming 
vote. In the following winter he was solicited 
to allow the Legislature of the State to elect him 
to the Senate of the United States, This he de- 
clined, preferring to retain his position in the 
House as an immediate representative of the 
people, not only because it was more agreeable 
to his democratic sentiments, but because, also, 
he thought he could serve his country to better 
advantage in that relation. 

Mr. M'Lean was a zealous advocate of Mr. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



25 



Madison's administration, and warmly took sides 
with the Democratic party. Not that he blind- 
ly committed himself to ail the measures pro- 
posed by his party ; for he who will take the 
trouble to turn over the public journals of that 
period will find that his votes were mainly 
given in reference to principle, and that the 
idea of supporting a dominant party merely 
because it was dominant did not influence his 
judgment or deter him from the high path of 
duty which he had prescribed for himself. 
This independent course of action on his part, 
never in the smallest degree lessened the consid- 
eration in which he was held by his party. 
Xor did it diminish the influence which he so 
justly acquired and exerted among his own 
immediate constituents. Party lines were not 
so tightly drawn then, nor was there any at- 
tempt made to control the private judgment, 
independence, and consciences of men, as now. 
Combinations of men are often necessary for the 
accomplishment of important ends ; but when 
party power is abused, and its spirit interferes 
with matters beyond its legitimate bounds, it 
becomes a despotism which is to be dreaded and 
shunned. 

In 1S16 he .submitted to become a candidate 
for the bench of the Supreme Court of Ohio, 
and was unanimously elected to that office. 
He brought to the discharge of the duties of 



26 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



this new position every necessary qualification 
for a judge, and his services in the judiciary 
were appreciated as a public benefit to the 
whole State. In the meanwhile his reputation 
became more -widely extended throughout the 
country, 

In 1822 he received from President Monroe 
the appointment of Commissioner of the General 
Land-Office. This he accepted, and removed to 
Washington City. He, however, remained in 
this position only till July, 1823, when, in con- 
sideration of his well-ascertained ability and 
peculiar fitness for executive duties, he was ap- 
pointed by Mr. Monroe Postmaster-General. 
He entered upon this responsible and difficult 
trust in opposition to the advice of many of his 
friends. And, although it was argued that no 
one could acquire reputation in that office, he 
determined to trust, as he always had done, the 
virtue and intelligence of the people, and en- 
tered the office with a fixed purpose to devote 
his days and much of his nights to the discharge 
of its duties. The finances of the department 
were in a very low condition, and it had utterly 
failed to secure the good-will and confidence of 
the people. Under his administration of the 
office order soon came out of the chaos, and 
the respect and confidence of the public were 
freely accorded to his superior management. 
Inefficient and improper contractors, postmas- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



27 



ters. and other agents of the department were 
dismissed, and their places supplied with men 
capable, efficient, and trustworthy. The entire 
action of the complicated machinery of this 
department was controlled and regulated by 
him in person, being done under his immediate 
supervision and with his -own sanction. In a 
short time the finances of the office were in a 
most flourishing condition ; great dispatch and 
regularity were given to the mails: and, as far 
as the state of things then existing would allow, 
the commercial intercourse of the whole country 
was carried on with the utmost celerity, certain- 
ty, and ease. Thus was the wisdom of Presi- 
dent Monroe clearly exemplified in the selection 
of the ablest officer ever placed at the head of 
the Post-Office Department. And no one can 
now estimate how much the whole country is 
indebted to the eminent executive ability of 
John M ? Lean for the establishment of that sys- 
tem and order which have since made the 
administration of the office comparatively easy, 
and rendered it so great a convenience and 
blessing to all the people of these United States. 
It is not too much to say, that, since the com- 
plete and triumphant success of Mr. M'Lean in 
the management of the Post-Office Department, 
we believe no one capable of appreciating the 
strength of evidence has ever doubted his 
patriotism, his integrity, his ability, or his 



28 



Pillars in the Temple. 



energy and decision of character. And will it 
not be readily admitted that he had every re- 
quisite qualification for the discharge of the 
duties of any department of our government ? 

The high satisfaction Mr. M'Lean had ren- 
dered his country as Postmaster-General se- 
cured for him the respect and esteem of all 
parties ; and so universally popular was he 
among all the people that President Adams, on 
his accession in 1825, seems never to have en- 
tertained a thought of supplying his place with 
another, but, with true nobility of soul, which 
can appreciate virtue in a political opponent 
and tolerate an honest difference of opinion, Mr. 
Adams urged him to continue in the Post-Offlce 
Department, and Mr. M'Lean consented. Both 
these patriotic gentlemen did themselves great 
honor in agreeing to unite, each in his appropri- 
ate sphere, to administer the government for the 
promotion of the wellfare of the whole nation. 
This was, no doubt the great end that secured the 
harmony and employed the stupendous powers of 
these two honest men in their country's service. 

After accepting the position under Mr. 
Adams Mr. M'Lean took no active part in 
politics, as he considered it incompatible with 
the strict administration of his office to do so. 
Party feeling did not run as high then as now. 
He definitely stated to President Adams that 
he would not use the office for his reelection or 



Pillars in the Temple. 



29 



for the . election of General Jackson to the 
Presidency in 1828. This honorable course, 
which he deemed just and proper, he delibera- 
tely prescribed for himself, and scrupulously 
and faithfully adhered to it. At that time the 
Postmaster-General was not a member of the 
council of the President, nor had the custom, 
14 more honored in the breach than the ob- 
servance," of removals for opinion's sake, become 
the practice of successful parties ; so that the 
office did not then partake necessarily, as now, 
of the character of a party appointment. 

TThen Mr. M'Lean accepted the office the 
salary was four thousand dollars ; but in 1827 a 
proposition was made in the* House to increase 
it to six thousand. It passed both houses almost 
unanimously. The eccentric Eandolph, of Ro- 
anoke, in most complimentary terms remarked 
that " the salary was intended for the officer and 
not for the office, and that he would vote for the 
bill if the salary should be made to cease when 
Mr. M'Lean should leave the office." 

In 1828 the severe contest between the advo- 
cates of Messrs. Adams and Jackson for the 
Presidency terminated, and resulted in the elec- 
tion of the latter. On the arrival of General 
Jackson at Washington, preparatory to his inaug- 
uration, on the 4th of March, 1829, and when he 
was about selecting the members of his cabinet, 
he sent for Mr. M'Lean, to ascertain if he were 



30 



Pillars in the Temple. 



willing to remain in Washington and take part 
in the new administration. In the interview 
thus sought by General Jackson, before any 
proposition was made, Mr. M'Lean frankly 
avowed the principles by which he had always 
governed himself in the exercise of the appoint- 
ing power. General Jackson, with warm ex- 
pressions of regard and confidence, urged him to 
remain in the office of Postmaster-General. 
This offer, after full deliberation, he felt con- 
strained to decline. In subsequent interviews 
the War and Navy Departments were successive- 
ly tendered for his acceptance, and pressed upon 
him with unbounded professions of friendship. 
Arrangements had already been made which 
precluded it. or the Treasury Department would 
have been tendered also. Mr. M'Lean respect- 
fully declined them all. The spirit of party had 
become exceedingly bitter and acrimonious, and 
threatened to overleap all the bounds by which 
it had hitherto been confined. He saw it would 
be difficult, if not impossible, for him to take part 
in the new administration, without the sacrifice 
of some of those fixed principles which he had 
long practiced with credit to himself and advan- 
tage to his country, Ketirement from public 
life seemed to him. under the circumstances, not 
less necessary to the consistency of his character 
than congenial to his inclinations. Providen- 
tially, as we believe, the services of this " hon- 



Pillars m the Temple. 31 



est man" were secured to the government and 
people of these United States. The very posi- 
tion was then vacant the most agreeable to his 
feelings, and one that he was in every way suited 
to and qualified to fill. General Jackson, three 
dajs after his inauguration in 1829, nominated 
him to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Su- 
preme Court. The nomination, we believe, was 
confirmed by the Senate unanimously. 

The Supreme Court of the United States is 
the highest judicial tribunal in the country, and, 
we suppose, in the wide range of its jurisdiction, 
takes cognizance of far more questions, and pos- 
sesses more extensive powers than are intrusted 
to, any other court in the world. It may be said 
to constitute the great balance-wheel of the hap- 
pily-adjusted machinery of our government ; and 
on a faithful discharge of its functions, to a great 
extent, depend the harmonious workings of the 
whole and the prosperity of the country. To 
be elevated to the position of Associate Justice of 
this Court must, therefore, be regarded as a high 
distinction and honor. But on those who pos- 
sess that honor there rests, also, a fearful amount 
of responsibility. And, indeed, if they faith- 
fully meet their obligation and discharge their 
duties, their labors will be equal to their re- 
sponsibility and their honor. 

The labors of Judge M'Lean were exceedingly 
onerous, not to say oppressive. He remained 



32 



Pillars m the Temple, 



at Washington throughout the entire sessions of 
the Supreme Court, and from that time till the 
Court met again he was almost constantly en- 
gaged in the labors of his circuit, which was far 
more extensive, and embraced a much larger 
amount of business, than the circuit of any of 
his colleagues. Indeed, it seems almost impos- 
sible that any other man could endure the same 
amount of physical and mental labor which he 
performed annually without sinking under it. 

For several years Judge Ji'Lean had been the 
only survivor of those venerable men who were 
on the supreme bench when he was appointed. 
Chief- Justice Marshall, who had long been the 
ornament of that tribunal, and Justices Story, 
Washington, Johnson, Duval, and Thompson, 
had all been cut down as by his side. It is a 
singular fact, attesting alike his unshrinking 
fidelity to his public trust and the vigor of his 
physical constitution and sound health, that, 
except for a few days, Judge M'Lean had never 
been absent from the sessions of the Supreme 
Court since he first took his seat on the bench, 
twenty-nine consecutive years. 

Justice M'Lean took a prominent part in 
all the leading questions which had been de- 
cided by the Court. In a large share of the 
cases he delivered the opinion of the Court, in 
others he gave his individual opinion, coinciding 
with the majority, and in some he dissented, 



PlLLAES m THE TEMPLE. 



and assigned strong reasons for his non-concur- 
rence. 

He bad always been known as an antislavery 
man, considering the slavery of our country sec- 
tional, and that it subsisted only by virtue of the 
law of the place where it existed, and derived 
no sanction from the law of nature, to which it 
was repugnant. These views were consistent 
with the whole tenor of the decisions and opin- 
ions of the Supreme Court from its establish- 
ment up to the date of the decisions and opinions 
of a majority in the Dred Scott case. 

Chief-Justice Taney, after deciding the ques- 
tion of jurisdiction, which he might have includ- 
ed in a few short paragraphs, elaborated at great 
length the proslavery doctrines, and said many 
things which startled the nation, and shocked 
the feelings and moral sense of millions of his 
fellow-citizens ; but these things were not con- 
stituted law, and, as Judge M'Lean distinctly 
said, "were no authority." His argument, in 
which he dissented from the majority of the 
Court, is a master-piece of judicial and legal 
reasoning. 

The bereavement of Judge M'Lean in 1840, 
by the loss of the wife of his youth and the 
mother of his children, was the severest afflic- 
tion which such a man can endure. 

We deem it very proper, to say that in 1843 
he married Mrs. Sarah Bella Garrard, daughter 



34 



PlLLABS IN THE TEMPLE. 



of Israel Ludlow, Esq., one of the founders of 
Cincinnati; a lady extensively known and ad- 
mired for the graces of her person, the amiable 
charms of her manners, and the accomplish- 
ments of her refined and cultivated intellect. 
She too had applied herself to the great inter- 
ests of religion, which is woman's richest treas- 
ure and her brightest ornament. 

Judge M'Lean was tall, well-proportioned, 
and commanding in his person, with an appear- 
ance indicating great physical and intellectual 
energy that promised many years of usefulness. 
His general habits of life had always been 
simple, abstemiously temperate, and free from 
ostentation. His temper was highly cheerful ; 
his manners frank, pleasing, and dignified; and 
his conversation instructive and eloquent. He 
possessed in a rare degree those excellent quali- 
ties and that happy faculty, which at once in- 
spired the confidence and respect, and won the 
warm attachment, of all with whom he associ- 
ated; being courteous to all of every class. 
Diligent justice and benevolence guided him in 
his entire career as a citizen, a lawyer, a states- 
man, and a judge. His was a distinction which 
will endure while the Constitution and the 
Union have a place in the memories of men. 

His name was prominent among the candi- 
dates for the presidency in 1856 and 1860. His 
health was infirm during the January term of 



Pillars in the Temple. 



35 



1S61, and after his return home liis disease rap- 
idly increased till his death, which event occur- 
red at Cincinnati, April 4, 1861, aged seventy- 
six. He died in peace. 

His departure was sudden. Only two days 
before his death he rode into the city and 
seemed not only to enjoy the ride, but to be 
refreshed bv it. The next dav his disease 

e/ t/ 

developed itself in great severity. During his 
Bufferings he was much in prayer ; his soul 
seemed to be going out after God, the living 
God, in whom he had so long trusted. Again 
he rallied and gave promise of recovery. But 
it was only a delusive promise. Belapse soon 
followed, then a sinking into unconsciousness, 
and that unconsciousness deepened into the 
dread slumber that knows no waking till the 
resurrection morn. 

Judge M'Lean is now numbered with the 
illustrious dead. Most of his early associates in 
the public service had already preceded him to 
that " country, from whose bourne no traveler 
returns." Madison and Monroe have long been 
numbered with the dead. Jay and Kent, and 
Story and Spencer and Shaw have passed away, 
leaving behind them monuments of legal erudi- 
tion winch can never perish. Marshall, too, 
whose mighty intellect towered in majesty and 
strength, compelling the homage of the great 
and good of the land : John Quincy Adams, the 



36 Pillars in the Temple, 

able statesman and the invincible patriot ; 
Andrew Jackson, the man of iron, whose most 
brilliant victory on the battle-field is eclipsed 
by the splendor of that glorious sentiment, " The 
Union must and shall be preserved : " and Web- 
ster, the great advocate whose eloquence stripped- 
error of its disguises and lent even to truth an 
additional charm : and Henry Clay, Kentucky's 
great son, whose every heart-throb was true 
to his country, and to whom is awarded the im- 
mortal honor of preferring to do right than 
to being President of the United States — these 
and others now form the stately galaxy of our 
national sky. In that galaxy another star has 
been placed, and there in undimmed brightness 
shall it shine forever. About twenty years ago, 
when dedicating the beautiful cemetery where his 
ashes now slumber. Judge M'Lean said, " In a 
short time I too must become a co-tenant of this 
domain, and visitors will look upon my grave 
as I now look upon the graves of others." That 
prophecy is now fulfilled. In that same address 
he said, i; But we look for a better inheritance. 
The Saviour has sanctified the grave and broken 
its chains.* 5 Illustrious man! ennobled by 
virtue and enriched by faith, the consummation 
of thy hope has been reached, the problem of 
thy destiny is solved, and thou art u forever with 
the Lord !" 



Pillars in the Temple. 



37 



ALFRED A. LA DUE. 

k LFEED A. LA DUE, the son of Samuel 
J\ an d Mary La Due, was born in East Fish- 
kill, Xovember 27, 1817. 

His father was a pious man, and became a 
very acceptable Local Preacher. 

Alfred, being blessed with religious education, 
was early led to give his heart to God. He 
became a pious young man, and early gave 
promise of usefulness. But leaving home while 
yet in his youth, and coming in contact with the 
cares and temptations of the world, his religious 
zeal was greatly abated, and the fine gold 
became dim. 

O how many young men have made ship- 
wreck of the faith during the forming stage of 
their Christian character ! Alas, how many have 
been totally wrecked! Not so with the subject 
of this sketch. In after years, and under favor- 
ing influences, the good seed sown in his young 
heart by his pious father sprang up and ap- 
peared in rich and abundant fruitage in after 
years. When he had come to years he com- 
mitted himself anew to God and the Church. 
The Methodist Episcopal Church was his choice, 
and to it he devoted his best energies with the 



38 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPKE. 



greatest vigor during the closing years of his 
life, fie was actually a Pillar in the Church 
at Cold Spring, on the Hudson, where he re- 
sided, and his remains now repose. In the 
spring of 1S61 the writer was appointed to the 
charge of the Church in Cold Spring, and had 
an opportunity of knowing Brother La Due inti- 
mately. I ministered at his bedside and per- 
formed his funeral rites. O what a loss the 
Church sustained when Alfred A. La Due died ! 
But on his loving companion and three little 
children the blow fell seemingly with terrible 
severity. 

He prospered in business, and was liberal in 
the support of the Church. He filled with 
great acceptance the offices of leader, steward, 
trustee, and Sunday-school secretary. The 
Church deeply mourned his loss; he was one of 
her best members. 

Scarcely less was he missed in the business com- 
munity. He had a growing popularity as a 
citizen in the town, He was filling the office of 
civil magistrate, to which he had been elected 
for a second term, at the time of his death. 

He was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and 
extensively known in business circles, among 
which his death was regretted as a great loss. 
His illness was short, and his death sudden and 
unexpected to all. The day before he died, as 
we inquired with reference to his prospects, he 



Pillars est the Temple. 



39 



said, "My trust is in God/' He was never 
very emotional or demonstrative. So in his 
closing hours he was calm and tranquil. About 
three o'clock on the morning of his death he 
said, " How dark it grows ! " And " he was not, 
for God took him. 53 At this writing his widow 
and children still survive, and mourn for him, 
who, though " absent from tire body is present 
with the Lord.* 5 

He died in Cold Spring. X. T., Xovember -i, 
1861, aged forty-eight. 



JOHX B. EDTTAEDS. 

tk Who does the best his circumstance allows, 
Does well, acts nobly ; angels could no more." 

JOHX B. EDTTAEDS was the son of James 
B. and Alice Edwards, and was born in the 
town of Trumbull, Conn., March 4, 1804. He 
was the seventh of a family of ten children — 
three sons and seven daughters. Removing 
with his father's family to Middlebury, Vt. 5 
during a revival in that place his sisters Maria 
and Anna experienced religion, and he received 
his first religious impressions, and "felt the 
need of a change of heart. 7 ' He was then about 
twelve years of age. From that time until he 
" obtained mercy " his young heart was greatly 



40 



Pillars in the Temple. 



agitated by conflicting emotions. At Woodbury, 
which place the family had removed from Mid- 
dle-bury, " while old Father Sherman was exhort- 
ing the people, and weeping over them, he formed 
resolutions to go home, enter his closet, and 
pray to God ; but mixing with his young com- 
panions on the way home, his resolutions were 
forgotten." The Holy Spirit nevertheless con- 
tinued to strive with him, and one clay, while 
plowing in his brother's field at Huntington, 
Conn., the terrors of death and judgment so 
seized his mind that he kneeled by the side of 
his plow, and, raising his eyes toward heaven, 
he cried, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!" 
But he found at that time no relief. Feeling 
the importance of acquiring an education that 
would qualify him to teach a district school, he 
applied himself to his studies closely, and re- 
ceived certificates of recommendation and the 
necessary legal credentials. 

Encouraged by these testimonials, he left 
home in quest of a school, To this circumstance 
he very touchingly alluded in a letter, written 
to his oldest son in 1849, thus: " I have passed 
through scenes, especially in the earlier part of 
my life, that you have never known — never can 
know, on account of your more favorable situation 
and circumstances. With but a very limited 
education, without means, without religion, 
without influence, I started with my little 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



41 



bundle in my hand from home, for a destiny I 
knew not what, among entire strangers. There 
were nine chances out of ten that I should go 
astray and make shipwreck, and but for a gra- 
cious Providence, I should have done so." 

He crossed the Hudson to Newburgh, thence 
traveled northward about eight miles, but fail- 
ing to find a suitable school he returned to 
Beekman, " considerably cast down." 

After he had left home — and when he was in 
the nineteenth year of his age — his sister Maria 
wrote him a letter, dated Trumbull, July 2, 
1823, in which, as a true Christian sister, she 
said : " My dear brother John, you are now set- 
ting out in the world, and I heartily wish you 
may become a useful and respectable member of 
society. - My anxiety for you is beyond descrip- 
tion. As a sister, deeply interested in your 
welfare, I cannot avoid saying a few words 
with regard to your associates : let your com- 
panions be few, and those few of the high- 
est order. Keep good company." This letter, 
so full of sisterly affection, was as the voice of 
an angel to his young heart. When he received 
it he was teaching his first district school in 
Pawlings. It proved to be the guiding star 
of his destiny. His sister Maria probably failed 
to realize the influence of her pious, earnest 
pleadings, and that her silent voice was destined 
to control his future conduct. In alluding to 



42 



Pillars in the Temple. 



this letter, be wrote in 1S±9, " After I left home, 
I received a letter from my sister Maria, in which 
she said to me, 6 Let your associates be of the very 
best kind.' This short but comprehensive lesson 
I observed with much tenacity, and this, in 
part, accounts for the stability of character I 
have been enabled, in some degree, to sus- 
tain.-' 

In the twentieth year of his age he com- 
menced teaching a district school in the town 
of Dover, Xew York. His employers were 
so much opposed to the Methodists that they 
sent word to his father that if his son was 
a Methodist they would not hire him. As, 
however, he had not made a profession of re- 
ligion, they employed him. At the expiration 
of the first three months "God again awakened 
his soul." And, although opposed and perse- 
cuted, " he resolved to serve the Lord." Trem- 
bling on account of his sins, he cried to God for 
mercy, obtained favor in his sight, and angels 
carried the tidings to heaven, that the dead 
was alive and the lost was found. For about 
three months subsequently his mind was af- 
flicted with doubts, but God then spake to him 
in accents of mercy, " Son, be of good cheer ; 
thy sins are forgiven thee." Alluding to this 
circumstance, he wrote in his diary, " O how 
sweet was redeeming love to my soul ! I re- 
joiced continually in the love of God, and had 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



43 



an abiding witness that I had passed from death 
unto life. One half was never told me, 

M ' O, for this love let rocks and hills 
Their lasting silence break.' 

" I now thought it my duty to join society, that 
I might enjoy the privileges of the Church, and 
be established in my principles. Accordingly I 
joined class/"' Desiring to apprehend the per- 
fection of the religions character, he groaned 
after it. " I used to pray for it [says his diary] 
six or seven times in a day constantly, and it 
appeared for a few weeks as though I was back- 
sliding all the time. But in a little prayer- 
meeting one evening, the Holy Ghost filled all 
the house, and I rejoiced in perfect love/' In 
his wife, daughter of Abram Charlock, to whom 
he was married by Rev. Noah Bigelow, Novem- 
ber 15, 1826, he found a helpmeet in his relig- 
ious life, as well as in all other respects. And 
the Church believing him qualified, bv gifts 
and grace, to be useful as an exhorter, he re- 
ceived from Rev. Xoah Bigelow an exhorter's li- 
cense, January 30, 1827. He studied the science 
of book-keeping in Xew York, and afterward 
occupied the position of book-keeper in the 
well-known firm of Parker, "Wilson, & Childs, 
hardware dealers. 

In April, 1843. he obtained the appointment 
of book-keeper in the Methodist Book Concern, 



4A Pillars in the Tevlple. 

which he retained, with credit to himself and the 
satisfaction of the Agents, until his death. Dur- 
ing his residence in X ew York he was connected 
with the TTillett-street Church, Second Wesley an 
Chapel, in Mulberry-street. Thirtieth-street, and 
the Central Church. TThen he removed from 
the city he toot his transfer from Central, and 
united with the Church at Yonkers. of which 
he was a member when he died. 

On the 7th of September. 1853, his wife went 
to her final rest. Three of their children had 
gone before her. Airs. Edwards's declining 
health was a subject of painful solicitude to 
him, and in earnest supplication he besought 
God in her behalf. April 25. 1?5S. he wrote 
to his son: " I have never seen the hour but 
what I felt it my privilege- to entreat our 
heavenly Father to spare her. I have trusted 
him for thirty- four years, and witnessed his 
power and love in my behalf, and in the behalf 
of my own dear family. Shall my faith give 
way now ? The past year has been one of in- 
tense anxiety, sometimes of sorrow, though nut 
of despair. I mean to trust in God, though he 
slay me and mine. Now and then I hear his 
voice above the tempest, and feel the power of 
his promise. ' Fear not. I am with thee : be not 
dismayed. I am thy God/ " J3ut death came at 
length, and the spirit of his beloved wife was 
transferred from her children on earth to those 



Pillars in the Temple. 



who were already garnered in heaven. She had 
been a devoted wife, an affectionate mother, 
and a humble Christian. Those who knew her, 
esteemed and loved her for the qualities of 
her mind and heart. To her kindly influence 
Brother Edwards was greatly indebted for the 
molding of his religious character. "In all the 
higher, nobler attributes of a wife and mother 
she shone pre-eminently. The heart of her 
husband safely trusted in her ; she had done 
him good all the days of her life, and her chil- 
dren rose up and called her blessed." 

" Two weeks previous to her death we received 
the melancholy tidings, by telegraph, that our 
dear Freddie was drowned. While our dear 
boy was playing on a raft in a pond near the 
house at New Hackensack, Dutchess County, 
he lost his balance and was drowned. When I 
received the above telegraphic message at my 
office, I feared to go home to tell the sad news 
to my dying wife. But when I communicated 
it to her, she struggled, and moaned as only a 
mother can for her youngest born ; then remain- 
ing silent a few minutes, she clasped her hands, 
and looking me full in the face said, 'It is all 
rigid; how much better that this should hap- 
pen while I am with you to help you bear it ; 
and then the thought of leaving that darling 
boy has cost me many a struggle. It is all 
right/ She continued from that time to sink 



46 



Pillars in the Temple. 



slowly, suffering mostly from extreme debility. 
Her confidence in God was unshaken ; she said 
she was not afraid to die, and on the morning of 
September 7, 1858, without a struggle or groan, 
fell asleep on the bosom of Jesus." Sustained by 
the consolation of religion, and cheered with 
the assurance that the departed were at rest in 
heaven, Mr. Edwards applied himself, as a true 
father, to his business, and watched with cease- 
less vigilance over his motherless children. 

He was married to his second wife, Miss 
Mary S. Edwards, an estimable lady of Oswego, 
September 22d 5 1859. She was worthy of the 
companionship of so good a man, and became 
to him a cheering light during the sequel of his 
life. His marriage was also pleasing to his en- 
tire family. - 

His character was well balanced by a combi- 
nation of those qualities of mind and heart that 
constitute amiability; and grace had so adjusted 
the attributes of his nature as to produce sym- 
metry of form and harmony of action. He 
greatly assisted in originating the German 
Mission enterprise in jSTew York, and took a 
deep and active interest in aiding those Chris- 
tian women who founded that noble charity 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church known as 
"The Old Ladies' Home:' 

Punctual and untiring in liis business engage- 
ments, as well as in the performance of his duty 



Pillars in the Temple. 



47 



to the Church, home was nevertheless ever 
sweet to him. He loved his family circle ; and 
instead of spending his leisure hours in other 
associations, he returned from his business to 
the companionship of home. A cheerful, de- 
voted wife and affectionate children, ever ready 
to welcome him, rendered home — what every 
man's home should be— attractive ; and true to 
the affections of a husband and father, he joy- 
fully yielded himself to its gentle influences, and 
the domestic circle was the center of his social 
being — his chosen bower for repose — the place 
of his retreat from the bustle of life. In the 
diaries which he kept for the years 1849, 
1855, 1856, " at home," " at home this evening," 
frequently occur. 

He was careful to provide for the temporal 
wants of his children as well as to counsel them 
concerning their business affairs, but the subject 
of their salvation absorbed every other consider- 
ation. Regarding them in their relation to 
another world, and perceiving the connection 
between a religious life on earth agd eternal 
life beyond the grave, he wept, prayed, and 
counseled that they might become the children 
of God. 

In a letter dated July 20, 1844, to his old- 
est son, he wrote : " O, my dear son, don't de- 
lay devoting yourself to God and his Church, 
for this must be the great regulator of your 



48 Pillars in the Temple. 



heart, your education, and your life. Much may 
depend on you with regard to your dear mother 
and brothers. If I should be taken from you, 
who will that mother lean upon but her eldest 
son. And how it would comfort my heart, and 
soothe my dying hour to feel that my sons had 
embraced the religion of the Bible ; that they 
were under the watchful care of the Church, and 
would pursue that course which would do honor 
to themselves and the memory of their father. 
Let the Bible and the closet have their appro- 
priate share of your time and studies." 

Again he wrote, November 12, 1844: "My 
dear son, do this winter, while you are prepar- 
ing to launch out into the world, seek the God 
of your father. Spend some time every day in 
your closet on your knees, and reading the 
blessed Bible. How has your father gained his 
character and standing? Not by dollars and 
cents, but mainly by embracing religion in his 
youth, and exhibiting a Christian character in 
riper years." 

February 25, 1845, he wrote another letter 
to one of his sons, who was then a student of 
that estimable Christian gentleman at New- 
burgh, Mr. John Alzamora, of which the folkw- 
ing is an extract: " Your letter, with Brother 
Alzamora's, came to hand, and its perusal 
gave great satisfaction to your anxious parents. 
Jacob said, 'If I am bereaved of my children. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



49 



I am bereaved ; ' and if our children take a vi- 
cious course it is much more than bereavement. 
I wept over your letter with tears of comfort, 
and be assured, my dear son, I have one deep, 
controlling anxiety about you, and that is, that 
you may be a Christian. Last Sabbath even- 
ing, while on my knees in secret, the thought 
of my dear son pressed upon my heart, and the 
reflection came over me, 6 Perhaps at this hour 
of prayer he may be reflecting upon this very 
subject, and resolving to be a Christian.' Was 
it so \ " 

Humble in spirit, gentle in disposition, and 
kind in feeling, he was an agreeable companion. 
He had no need to study the rules of politeness. 
That which art produces is cold and stiff. His 
was warm and plastic. In the conferences on 
official business, at his office, and in all the 
walks of life, his genial spirit beamed from his 
eye, lighted up his countenance, gave vitality to 
his words, and warmth to his extended hand. 
Never obtrusive nor dogmatic, he avoided giving 
offense. His urbanity was not confined to cler- 
ical circles and the associations of the grave. It 
was in him as light in the sun — lighting up the 
pathway of old age, and cheering the heart of 
childhood ; and long will he be remembered as 
a noble type of a Christian gentleman. 

As an exhorter, leader, trustee, superintend- 
ent of a Sunday-school, etc., he was earnest 

4 



50 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



and faithful ; his counsels pathetic, and his sup- 
plications ardent. Unostentatious, he was, nev- 
ertheless, prompt in meeting his religious ob- 
ligations. He was frequently importunate in 
prayer, and unyielding in his faith. Many, 
groaning beneath the burden of sin, 'have ob- 
tained mercy while, upon his knees, with crying 
and tears, he interceded for them. During re- 
vivals of religion he was always active. The 
minister could rely upon him at all times as a 
co-laborer. He was ready to every good word 
and work. Evangelical in his religious views, 
and tenacious of his doctrinal sentiments, he 
was emotional also. His heart was warm. With 
those who mourned on account of sin, he min- 
gled his sympathizing tears; and with those 
who had "obtained redemption, 5 ' he praised 
God with joyful lips. The spirit of religion 
pervaded and sanctified all his relations in life. 
It ennobled his nature, refined his social feel- 
ings, intensified his home affections, made him a 
cheerful friend, an attractive superintendent, an 
efficient exhorter, and an effective leader. His 
feet stood " within the gates of Zion," and he 
loved the " courts of the Lord's house." In his 
diaries allusion is frequently made to his relig- 
ious enjoyments. " My soul happy in God ; " 
" Good day to my soul ;" " My soul is prosper- 
ing ;" and corresponding phrases, often occur. 
For the 31st of December, 1S55, there is the 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



51 



following: " No watch-night in Tarry town to- 
night. I was very much disappointed, as I have 
not missed being present at watch-night before 
in thirty-one years. I close the year in peace 
with God and all mankind.' 7 

His religious devotion was not mere zeal for 
denominational success, but the devotion of a 
renewed and honest heart. It was devotion 
produced by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. It 
was devotion to Christ, and for the glory of his 
cross. It was a living flame everburning on the 
altar of his affections. And the light of that 
devotion, though it shone humbly, shone brightly. 
With no disposition to covet the observation of 
others, his light, nevertheless, was set on a can- 
dlestick, that it might give light to all that are 
in the house. Many were cheered by its ra- 
diance, and were able to discover its relation to 
its infinite source. He was extensively known, 
respected, and. loved. His beautiful handwrit- 
ing, in the filling up of Missionary Certificates, 
may be found in the families of thousands ; and 
his memory will be respected and cherished, not 
only by his relatives, but by an extensive circle 
of Christian brethren in the ministry and mem- 
bership of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

On Thursday, April 10th, 1862, he left his 
office at the Book Concern, at twenty minutes 
to four o'clock, for the purpose of taking the four 
o'clock train for Yonkers, where he resided, In 



52 Pillars in the Temple. 



attempting to get on the up-car, at the corner of 
Canal and Watts streets, another car coming 
down at the same time placed him between the 
two. In trying to get out of the way of the 
down-car he was knocked down by the car he 
was striving to reach, and was caught by the 
wheels of the other. He was immediately taken 
up by a policeman and some citizens, and carried 
to the nearest Station-house. He did not 
speak ; opened his eyes but once, and, without 
the slightest indication of suffering, died in about 
three minutes after the accident occurred. His 
funeral services were conducted by his Pastor, 
Rev. Mr. Keyes, Revs. Dr. Foster, G. S. Hare, 
J. B. Wakeley, and others, at the Central Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, a large congregation 
of sympathizing friends being present to partici- 
pate in the solemn exercises. 

His remains were taken to ^Nichols' Farms, 
Conn., where they were laid down among his 
kindred, to await the resurrection " of them that 
sleep in Jesus." O that he had been permitted 
to pronounce his farewell blessing on those he 
was leaving. But Providence directed other- 
wise. And with the thought of home, as a 
sunbeam lighting up his way, his spirit was 
transferred to his more glorious home in the 
better land. ? Twas well ; he was ready. " Be 
ye ready also, for the Son of man coraeth at an 
hour when ye think not." 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



53 



Mrs. S. J. Groodenough, an intimate acquaint- 
ance and friend, pays the following tribute to 
his Christian character : "Among the leading 
characteristics of his religious life were great 
fervor and power in prayer. There were in his 
forms of expression a loftiness and reverence 
truly impressive and sometimes sublime, As a 
class-leader and exhorter he had but few equals. 
There was always something in the depth and 
richness of his religious experience suited to 
every phase and circumstances of life, and the 
young, as well as those of more mature years, 
seemed conscious that he who addressed them 
held intimate relations with Deity. Another 
characteristic was a tenderness of conscience 
that held no compromise with practices equivo- 
cal or ambiguous in their tendencies. He was 
as true to his enlightened conscience as the 
needle to the pole. 

" He was very sympathetic with every form 
of physical and mental suffering, and many can 
attest to his gentle ministrations at the bed of 
the sick and dying. 

"A more affectionate and devoted husband 
and father it was never my privilege to know ; 
and the thousand little nameless cares and duties 
which men generally ignore, but which contrib- 
ute so much to the comfort of the home circle, 
he as naturally performed as if they were a part 
of his daily life. ?? 



54 



Pillars in the Temple, 



AMZI DOGLXTTLE. 

AMZI DOOLITTLE was born in Cheshire, 
Conn.. August 18, 1788. When a little boy 
his parents removed from the East and settled 
in a pleasant ravine on the western slope of the 
Catskill Mountains. Here he spent his boyhood, 
riper years, and old age. Here he lived, died, 
and was buried. Arnzi, being bereaved of his 
parents, who were in humble circumstances, was 
early thrown upon his own natural resources. 
These were a discriminating and sound judg- 
ment, prudent foresight, self-reliance, caution, 
honesty, industry, and perseverance. With 
these attributes of character, he contended man- 
fully and heroically with the toils, privations, 
and varying fortunes incident to all settlers in 
a comparatively new and wilderness region. 
But to these, and all subsequent allotments of 
Providence, he bowed with uncomplaining sub- 
mission. From obscurity, his temporal circum- 
stances gradually arose to those of comfort and 
competency, while his Christian character, the 
meanwhile, stood in the midst of the community 
like a tower of strength. Convinced of the 
truth and importance of the Christian religion, 
and that, in order to be happy and useful, he 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



55 



should " seek first the kingdom of God," 
at the age of seventeen, without any revival 
influences prevailing in the community, he 
earnestly commenced seeking the salvation of 
his soul. One day in the autumn of 1805, 
while out in Nature's own temple all alone, 
wrestling with God as did Jacob, suddenly he 
" prevailed." He found the precious " pearl " 
for which he had sought so diligently and pray- 
erfully. The internal change was so striking, 
that, looking up and around him, every object 
looked as if burnished with fine gold. Every 
plant, shrub, and tree seemed to praise God. 
To use his own language — " As I looked up, 
my soul overwhelmed with the love of God, a 
gentle breeze stirring the leaves and trees around 
me — all seemed to be praising God, when these 
words came into my mind, and I exclaimed, 

" ' Rejoice ! rejoice ! all ye trees of the wood, 
For Jesus is bringing lost sinners to God.' " 

He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and lived and labored, a consistent member of 
the same, until his Master said, "It is enough, 
come up higher ! " The evidence of his conver- 
sion was so strong and clear that he never 
doubted its reality during his whole life. He 
was often heard to say that he could no more 
doubt his conversion than doubt his own exist- 
ence. He said the evidence of his acceptance 



56 Pillars in the Temple. 



was as clear as the sun. Soon after be joined 
the Church he was elected to the office of 
trustee, and appointed steward and class-leader. 
These offices he continued to fill with great 
acceptance through almost the entire term of 
his Church~rnembership. He filled the office of 
trustee when the old church was built ; and in 
that office his name stands, on the deed as one 
to whom the Church property was first conveyed 
to be held in trust. His name appearing on 
various instruments and legal documents of the 
Church, shows plainly that he was fully identi- 
fied with all h$r temporal interests. 

He filled the office of steward for more than 
forty years, and when he became so infirm that 
he could not render efficient service, and re- 
quested that his name should be left off from 
the list, it was still retained out of respect for- 
his former efficient services. His brethren 
said they would excuse him from ^active service, 
but desired to retain his name on the list of 
stewards while he lived. He continued to fill 
the office of leader until his death, excepting 
for one or two short intervals, when he was re- 
lieved, by his special request, for a brief period. 

In colloquial discourse he was especially 
gifted. His conversation invariably seemed 
" seasoned with grace," and ministered to the 
edification of all who were privileged to enjoy 
it. We think it no exaggeration to say he was 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



57 



" filled with love and a sound mind." In prayer 
and exhortation he was " mighty." These were 
characterized by such a degree of strength and 
divine unction that those who listened to them 
could say, " How dreadful is this place ! " "It 
is none other than the house of God." The 
united sentiment of those who knew him best, I 
believe, is, that if he had followed his impressions 
of duty and the guidance of the Spirit of God 
fully, he would have made a useful minister of 
the Lord Jesus. Diffidence and distrust of his 
own abilities would not allow him to enter upon 
that work, to which he and others felt that he 
was early moved. As it is, the laity of the 
Church has seldom had a more humble, pious, 
and devoted example. 

With him and his kind family the weary 
itinerant always found a cordial welcome and a 
hospitable hand. In the long list of names we 
could give of those who shared in the hospitali- 
ties of his Christian home stand the names of 
Rev. Henry W. Reed, and Rev. Francis Burns, 
late Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Africa. The former, now a prominent min- 
ister in the Iowa Conference, made his home at 
Father Doolittle's while traveling the Windham 
Circuit many years ago. Among those whose 
names are more familiar to our readers, and who 
shared the hospitality of Father Doolittle, were 
Brothers Ostrander, Rice, Jewett, Martindale, 



58 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Buck, and others. Bishop Burns spent much 
time in his family when he was vet a young 
man, and teaching school in this vicinity previ- 
ous to his entering on the work of the ministry. 
It was here that he was converted. 

A few years ago. when Bishop Burns returned 
from Africa to a visit to this country, he spent 
several weeks with Father Doolittle's family, 
for the double purpose of recruiting his health, 
and enjoying the reminiscences and associations 
of days long since gone by. 

The disease of which Father Doolittle died, 
and from which he had suffered more or less for 
fifteen years, was consumption. He was able, 
however, to ride out occasionally, and walk 
out of doors, and about his room, until nearly 
the last day of his life. He retained his gentle- 
ness fully till his spirit took its flight. The 
Sabbath before he died he sent farewell mes- 
sages to the class of which he was a member, 
and of which he had so long been the leader. 

When asked, '* Should you be taken away 
what word would you leave for absent Mends \ " ? 
he replied, "Tell them to take care of their 
souls, is the substance of what I have to say/- 
Being asked how he felt, after a little he said, 
u I feel strong in the Lord, no condemnation ; 
yet I do not feel that joy that I could desire. I 
have thought the Lord would dispel this gloom ; 
perhaps I shall, die without it. The Lord do as 



Pillars in" the Temple. 



59 



seemeth hini good. I do not know as I have 
any fears respecting the future.' 5 

Conscious that his end was drawing near, he 
prayed, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' 5 On 
the morning of his death his son asked him if 
Jesus was precious ; to which he bowed his 
head. His dear family had now gathered around 
his bed to see him die. He looked on his chil- 
dren affectionately, and in broken accents said, 
" Farewell." 

His weeping wife was standing on the other 
side of the bed ; he turned toward her and said, 
u The Lord bless you, give you supporting 
grace, and bring you safe to glory. Farewell." 
He breathed shorter, and expired without a 
struggle or a groan. 

He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, 
and a confiding friend. He maintained the 
character of a Christian in his family, in the 
Church, and in the world. He and his house 
served the Lord. He lived to see ail his chil- 
dren, six in number, converted. These were 
early taught to fear God and keep his command- 
ments, and said when they came to years, " My 
father's God shall be my God, and his people 
shall be my people." " Mark the perfect man, 
and behold the upright, for the end of that man 
is peace." 

Mr. Doolittle was twice married. His first 
wife was Miss Betsey Lewis, of Greene County, 



60 Pillars in the Temple. 



New York, in whom he found a worthy com- 
panion and excellent helpmeet. 

On February 28, 1832, he married for his 
second wife Miss Betsey M. Bouton, daughter 
of Mr. James Bouton, of Delaware County, 
N. Y. She was a most estimable Christian 
lady. She was every way worthy of so good a 
husband. To her the words of the Wise Man 
are highly appropriate : " She will do him good, 
and not evil, all the days of her life. She 
seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly 
with her hands. She riseth also while it is 
yet night, and giveth meat to her household. 
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her 
hands hold the distaff. Her husband is known 
in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders 
of the land. She looketh well to the ways of 
her household, and eateth not the bread of 
idleness. Her children arise up, and call her 
blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth 
her." 

He was brother-in-law to Eev. Sanford Bou- 
ton, missionary in the Valley of the Delaware ? 
in 1829, and Rev. James D. Bouton, of the New 
York East Conference. 

He died in Ashland, Greene County, 1ST. Y., 
November 6, 1863, aged seventy-four. 

In the life, character, and happy death of 
Amze Doolittle, we have a most striking illus- 
tration of what genuine piety can do in elevat- 



Pillars in the Temple. 61 



ing its possessor from humble circumstances to 
those of comfort, usefulness, and honor. It se- 
cured to him a hundredfold more in this life, 
and in the world to come life everlasting. Let 
all who knew him follow his bright example. 



DAVID DEMAKEST. 

DAVID DEMAEEST was born in the town 
of Hackensack, New Jersey, March 7, 1803. 
His father, James Demarest, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Maria Westervelt, 
were among the earliest Methodists in this 
country. They removed to the city of New 
York when David was but seven years of age. 
Being blessed with pious parents who were 
careful to train up their child in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord, he earnestly sought 
and found the Saviour when but eleven years 
of age. Having given evidence of sound con- 
version, he at once connected himself with the 
Greenwich Village Church, which subsequently 
became known as the Bedford-street Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and is now the largest Church, 
numerically, in the metropolis. In this Church 
he continued many years, acting most of the 
time as leader and chorister. Subsequently he 



62 



Pillars in the Temple. 



united with the Jane-street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, where he also served as chorister. It 
was in this Church that the writer became ac- 
quainted with him in 1854. David Demarest 
was one of the most popular Methodist singers 
and choristers in New York city. 

Here he was greatly beioved by the Church 
and Sunday-school; and though years have 
elapsed since the term of his active service 
closed, yet till this day the memory of David 
Demarest is fragrant, and his name is as oint- 
ment poured forth. 

He subsequently resumed his membership in 
the Bedford-street Church, w T here he lived a 
consistent and devoted member until death. 
His talent as a singer made him popular. H:^ 
services were much sought after, and thousands 
will recollect his majestic voice on the old Sing 
Sing Camp-ground. 

He possessed considerable poetical skill. 
The writer has been held for hours in a state of 
mingled surprise and delight in the examination 
of a large book of original manuscript poetry, 
which, if printed, would make a large and re- 
spectable volume, The themes are various and 
well chosen. The music, as well as the poetry, 
is original, and is set to nearly all the pieces. 

Did the plan of this work permit, we could 
not delineate his character better than to give 
extended quotations. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



63 



His work, I judge, must have been intended 
for publication. It begins with an introduction 
embracing twenty verses, from which we quote 
the following : 

" Xo claim do I make to poetical skill, 

But still I've a mission no other can fill ; 

Though humble the effort, I have a design 

To instruct, if I can, both with music and rhyme. 

I never can reach to Parnassian heights, 

Or shine with our modern poetical lights. 

As well with a taper illumine the sun, 

Or a snail in a race with an antelope run." 

From a poem entitled the " Worship of the, 
Forest " we make the following extract : 

{: When wandering in the lonely wood 

Or, mid the shady bower, 
In sweetest meditative mood 

How pensive was the hour. 
The lovely flower whose head was raised 

Above the scattered leaves, 
Its Omnipresent Author praised 

Beneath the waving trees. 
It drank the sweets of dewy morn, 

Rich blessings from above, 
Its beauty did the place adorn — 

An emblem of God's love. 

The following lines were written on the death 
of Willie Cornell, little son of the late W. W. 
Cornell. They embrace his dying -expressions : 

" ^Mother dear, the cloud is breaking ; 

Father, see ! the angels come ! 
Listen! hear sweet music waking; 

They have come to bear me home. 



PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 



" Yes ! yes ! the cloud is breaking, 
Shining ones are drawing near; 

Soon my spirit they'll be taking 
Where, with Jesus, I'll appear. 

" Look up, view my spirit-brother ! 

Eddie has a crown for me : 
Don't you see him father, mother ? 

Soon with him in heaven I'll be. 

" I am going ! come and kiss me ; 

Hurry up ! good-bye, good-bye ! 
Soon, dear pa and ma, you'll miss me, 

But we'll meet above the sky. 

" Now again they are appearing, 
Hosts of angels — Eddie too ! 

O, he speaks, so sweet and cheering, 
1 Willie, I have come for you.' 

" Yes, dear pa, I must be going, 
But we'll come again for you ; 

There from living fountains flowing 
Joy we'll drink forever new. 

"I am ready; yes, I'm dying; 

Sister, come and kiss good-bye. 
Hurry up, I hear them crying ; 

Soon with me they'll homeward fly. 

" Now I see my mansion yonder, 
Crowns of glory sparkling there ; 

O, I'm filled with joy and wonder ! 
Robes of spotless white we'll wear ! 

" We a triune band of brothers, 
Moses, Eddie, Willie—three, 

Soon will come for you and others 
Of the broken family. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



65 



" Then when we have all ascended 
To the heavenly plains of light, 

Mortal with immortal blended, 
We again shall reunite." 

The following specimen, entitled " The Rock 
that is Higher than I," was composed in April, 
1860, when the author was near the close of life 
and in great heaviness : 

" When clouds of thick darkness portentous arise, 
Enshrouding with blackness the threatening skies, 
To Jesus, my Saviour, for refuge I'll fly, 
And hide in the Rock that is higher than I. 

"While storms of adversity on me descend, 
And fiery trials my pathway attend, 
Though none to deliver may then venture nigh, 
I'll hide in the Rock that is higher than I. 

• " What though the rude winds of affliction assail, 
And round my lone spirit incessantly wail; 
I'll cheerfully- then that wild tempest defy, 
Secured in the Rock that is higher than I. 

"My heavenly Father will wisely direct 
All things to his glory, both cause and effect ; 
Then passive as clay in his hands I will lie, 
And dwell in the Rock that is higher than I. 

" His promises are a munition of rocks, 
In them is protection 'mid life's fearful shocks, 
And when threat'ning billows shall tower on high, 
I'm safe in the Rock that is higher than L 

"Ah! soon shall earth's conflicts and troubles be o'er, „ 
When these shall disturb and distract me no more ; 
Then homeward to glory triumphant I'll fly, 
To Jesus, the Rock that is higher than I." 

5 



66 



Pillars in the Te:>iple, 



Rev. S, D. Brown, his Pastor at the time of 
his death, says: "He was a man of peculiar 
equanimity, and his piety was of an even, steady 
character," A Christian brother, who knew 
him intimately from childhood, remarked that 
he never saw his temper ruffled but once, and 
that in his early boyhood. He was an earnest 
and humble Christian, and a faithful and effi- 
cient class-leader through a long series of years. 
As the leader of the choir in the Churches with 
which he was associated, he rendered signal 
service to the cause of Christ. His singing was, 
upon his part, an act of devotion. He ever en- 
tered into it with his whole heart, and with the 
feeling that this part of divine service was not 
to please, but to draw the soul nearer to its God. 
In his last illness he manifested unshaken con- 
fidence in Christ, and during a great portion of 
the time was filled with joy. For several days 
he was so feeble as to be able to speak only in 
a whisper, and none expected that he would 
ever again bear testimony to the power of re- 
ligion, save in broken accents. But a few hours 
before his death his strength strangely returned, 
and he spoke of the love of Christ revealed to 
his soul in words that will not soon be for- 
gotten. 

He said to Christian friends at his bedside, 
" Sing some of those beautiful hymns we used 
so often to sing together." He then commenced 



Pillars in the Temple. 67 

and sang the following words, with the beau- 
tiful chorus annexed. His friends joined in the 
singing : 

" Am I a soldier of the cross, 

A follower of the Lamb, 
And shall I fear to own his cause, 

Or blush to speak his name? : ' 

Chorus. 

" I'd rather be the least of them, 

Who love the Lord ,alone, 
Than wear a royal diadem, 

And sit upon a throne." 

He then commenced, and sang with a clear 
voice, and countenance beaming with delight : 

" Fade, fade, each earthly joy, 

Jesus is mine ! 
Break every tender tie, 

Jesus is mine. 
Dark is the wilderness, 
Earth has no resting-place, 
Jesus alone can bless ! 

Jesus is mine ! " 



He literally sang himself across the river. 
January 20, 1866. He is now singing with the 
angeft on the other side. 



68 



Pillabs in the Temple. 



MOSES F. ODELL. 

MOSES FIELD ODELL was born near 
Tarrytown, on the Hudson, in the year 
1818, He was descended of an old Huguenot 
family which has become numerous in West- 
chester County, and has thence spread out 
through the whole country. While he was yet a 
child his fathers family removed to New York 
city, and afterward to Brooklyn, which became 
the place of his after residence to the end of 
his life. 

Mr. Odell's parents were Methodists, and 
reared their children among the influences of 
the Church. Having always been of a blame- 
less life, and a constant attendant upon the 
services of the Church and the Sabbath-school, 
Moses F., shortly after the removal of the fam- 
ily to Brooklyn, was converted, and united with 
the Sands-street Church, with which he remained 
till his death. 

As a Christian Mr. Odell was eminently sim- 
ple in his faith. Religion presented itself to him 
as an immediate power in the soul, producing an 
unfailing consciousness of the Divine presence. 
It did not seem possible, at any time, to detect 
in his mind a doubt either of his own present 



Pillars in the Temple. 



69 



salvation or of the truth, of Christianity.' So far 
he "endured as seeing Him who is invisible." 
This gave him a great advantage, by keeping him 
ever ready for Christian labor. It was easy for him 
to confess Christ ; it was a pleasure to engage in 
religious worship ; and it seemed impossible to 
turn him aside. This remarkable simplicity of 
faith was disclosed every-where. You saw it in 
church as he sat in the gallery at the head of a 
restless Sunday-school. His emotions awaited 
the touch of the preacher's word, ready to brim 
over in a succession of smiles, in hearty responses, 
and even in a gentle clapping of his hands. 
If you followed him to the prayer-meeting the 
same simplicity characterized him there. For a 
prayer-meeting the singing of Mr. Odell was 
worth a dozen choirs. He was the unvarying 
leader of all the singing at Sands-street, except 
that of public worship on the Sabbath. His 
smooth, round, sweet voice sung out the bold- 
ness and simplicity of his faith, and drew r every 
thing about him into its own current. Prayer- 
meetings with and without Mr. Odell were 
very different things. He was a bold man who 
attempted to lead the music in Mr. Odell's 
presence, and he on whom the task fell in his 
absence was sure of the compliment of pity. 
Upon his return to Brooklyn, at the close of his 
first term in Congress, there was a sly and in- 
quiring look among the brethren, which seemed 



70 Pillars in the Temple. 



to ask whether or not Brother Odell would be 
as demonstrative in the church as before. They 
judged rightly that he had been in the fire ; but 
thev did not wait long to see that its flame had 
not harmed him. He had not changed even on 
the outside. He now brought all the energies 
of his active nature into exercise in religious 
duties, and especially in the work of a Sunday- 
school teacher and superintendent. Under his 
direction the school of the Sands-street Church 
became one*of the most successful we have ever 
known, in whatever properly belongs to a gen- 
uine Church Sabbath-school ; and probably a 
larger proportion of its pupils have become 
Church members than in almost any other 
school in the land. 

With peculiar mental and moral adaptation 
for that calling, seconded by an untiring zeal in 
its prosecution, the Sunday-school became the 
great work of his life, and that on account of 
which his memory will be longest and most 
affectionately cherished. 

In other departments of the Church he was 
also eminently active and successful. As a 
leader of prayer-meetings he had few equals, 
and as a class-leader he was held in high esteem. 
He was for a number of years connected with 
the General Missionary Board, where he ren- 
dered effective and valuable services. 

It was, however, chiefly as the superintendent 



PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 71 



of the Sunday-school that Mr. Oclell excelled. 
If he was at home in the church and the prayer- 
meeting, he was a prince in the Sunday-school. 
We have never known his equal among the 
children. It is hard to tell what gave him his 
wonderful power. We incline to the opinion 
that it was rather a combination of qualities 
than any single excellency. The profound and 
simple reality in which religion came to his 
mind made him natural in every thing that re- 
lated to it. In the little children he met a cor- 
responding simplicity. There was nothing in 
them to suggest criticism, so that his whole 
power acted without a clog. But besides this 
simplicity of faith and grace, there was, after 
all, another of nature. Moses F. Odell had 
brought with him from childhood up to man's 
estate his boy-nature; he still saw with a boy's 
eye, with a young fresh heart, and was in the 
closest and most joyous sympathy with interior 
youthful life. 

His mind, utterly foreign, and even hostile, to 
every thing abstract, saw things only in their 
living connections. A story to him, as to his 
children, was at once a feast of the heart and an 
incitement to good. I never knew him to get 
up in the Sunday-school as if to make' a speech. 
He talked rather than spoke, and the children 
listened withoCit a suspicion of a speech. They 
thought Mr. Odell was only working their 



72 Pillars in the Temple. 



school, and that they must listen or they might 
lose something. Or rather, he converted the 
whole round of exercises into a pleasure and a 
privilege, even for the very young. This may 
sound extravagantly, but it is even less than the 
plain truth. 

But Mr. Odell did not finish the work of a 
superintendent with the ordinary routine of 
Sunday-school instruction. The spirit which 
lent attraction to the exercises could not stop or 
rest in them. It pursued its divine aims by 
other methods. Hence, in order to gather the 
fruit of Sunday-school toil, Mr. Odell held meet- 
ings with the Christian members of the school, 
and invited such of the scholars as might be 
serious to attend. These were known as " the 
little meetings." They were held at the close 
of the afternoon session. The serious were in- 
vited forward for prayers; numbers were con- 
verted, and the gracious revivals which have 
marked the history of Sands-street Church for 
years past have nearly all begun here. 

The interest of the superintendent did not 
cease even here. He was at great pains to find 
situations in business for such as needed his as- 
sistance, and wherever his scholars w r ent lie 
sought to perpetuate the bond between them 
and the school. It often happened that persons 
who had been lost sight of by the Church sent 
for Mr. Odell to visit them upon a sick-bed, and 



Pillars m the Temple. 73 

the story of such visits, told in the school, drew 
many and many a tear, and gave rise to many a 
good resolution. Such recitals were not mere 
newspaper incidents, and sounded as little as 
possible like stories. They were, indeed, part 
and parcel of the very life of the school, and 
were told with such inimitable art, or rather with 
such a genuine touch of nature, as to appear 
like precious passages of family history. In 
a word, Mr. Odell was a born Sunday-school 
superintendent. It was the element in which 
he found his most joyful life. He was the same 
in this respect through the week as on Sunday, 
abroad as at home. He sought to inspire all 
his family connection with his own spirit, to 
bring all his friends to his aid, and, to a great 
extent, succeeded. 

He received his education in the public 
schools of New York and Brooklyn, and while 
yet a young man was appointed to a position 
in the New York Custom-house, in connection 
with which he spent most of the active years of 
his lifetime. From the associations of his child- 
hood he was brought into sympathy with the 
" Democratic" party, into whose interests he 
cast the whole force of his impulsive and gener- 
ous nature, and of course soon gained the favor 
of his associates. 

He was a member of Congress during the 
four years of Mr, Lincoln's administration, and 



74 



Pillars in the Temple. 



few names of those holding that responsible 
position during that critical period have a more 
honorable record. 

In public life he never forgot or laid aside 
his religious character, or departed from the 
scrupulousness of his profession. His four years' 
residence at Washington will long be remem- 
bered by the leading Christians of that city for 
his earnest activity in every religious interest, 
and in the Sabbath-school cause especially. His 
religiously assumed pledge of total abstinence 
from all intoxicating drinks was as sacredly 
observed in Congress-ion ai circles as among his 
Methodist friends at home. All his official 
associates knew him as a steadfast and consist- 
ent Christian, and respected him accordingly. 

His connection with the Committee on the 
Conduct of the War gave him large opportuni- 
ties to exercise his generous impulses in behalf 
of the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, and 
his unostentatious recitals of his army experiences 
have been among the most thrilling war stories 
we have ever listened to. Scarcely any agent 
of the Christian Commission went more heartily 
into that peculiar work, and probably none more 
effectiveiv discharged the offices of a comforter 
to the suffering and dying. 

His Congressional record we have spoken of 
as especially honorable. Others did as well as 
he, but not in circumstances that so thoroughly 



Pillars in the Temple. 



75 



tested their integrity. Elected as an opponent 
of the Administration, and with very strong party 
affinities, he neverthless followed duty at all 
needed sacrifice to party ties. To do so, con- 
fessedly cost him a great struggle, but conviction 
of duty prevailed. He voted, almost alone of 
his party, for the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and for the Constitutional 
•Amendment for the prohibition of slavery in 
the country. 

Between himself and Mr. Lincoln there had 
grown up a more than political friendship, for two 
such hearts brought into contact were naturally 
drawn toward each other. With President John- 
son he had an intimate and* favorable acquaint- 
ance, formed while the two were fellow-mem- 
bers of the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War ; and among the appointments made by the 
latter soon after his accession to the Presidency 
was that of Mr. Odell to the office in which he 
died, that of Xaval Officer for the port of 5s"ew 
York. During his many years of official life, 
though most of the time an active partisan, and 
while charged with the most delicate public 
trusts, and constantly exposed to the tempta- 
tions by which so many public functionaries are 
swayed from their integrity, no word of suspicion 
against his honesty was ever breathed. His 
case is indeed as remarkable as it is honorable; 
and though the heart of personal friendship 



76 PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 

may not blind us to the fact that he had the 
infirmities of a man. and the imperfections of 
human nature, vet we know that very few have 
passed through life exposed to so many tempta- 
tions, and have died with so blameless a record ; 
while, on the other hand, few have more faith- 
fully than he occupied the talents with which 
they have been endowed. 

In his public life, in Congress and in other 
positions, Mr. Odell was a Christian "'without fear 
and without reproach." I shall not soon forget 
with what prompt indignation he repelled an 
intimation from a party tool that a few hundred 
dollars would secure the vote of a hesitating 
ward or two. Hfe quick, stern answer was, 
" Uot a cent ! ' ? In Congress it was thoroughly 
understood, not only that he was a Christian 
who made a serious profession, but also that he 
was a Methodist. His custom, while in "Wash- 
ington, was to visit two or three Sunday-schools 

O > ml 

every Sabbath, always making addresses and 
offering rewards to the children for bringing in 
new scholars. In addition to this he usually 
attended church twice, and was present at one 
class-meeting at least. Theaters, operas, and 
dances lie carefully eschewed. The freedom 
of his position, as a Christian, from all doubt, 
warned off the usual temptations. His purity 
and industry as a Christian shamed and roused 
some of his fellow-legislators who were profess- 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 77 



ing Christians, and he was in the habit of enlist- 
ing their aid in his pious labors. He felt a keen 
shame, bordering on contempt, for professors of 
religion who allowed the Christian to hide and 
sleep under the robes of office. He was " not 
ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." 

But in all this zeal for religion and the Church 
there was nothing morose or pretentions. Just 
the contrary. Mr. Odell commended his relig- 
ion to his fellow-Congressmen by the cheerful- 
ness it inspired. They knew he would not drink 
with them, or swear, or brawl ; and yet they saw 
in his happy face a genuine human sympathy 
that inspired fraternal confidence. There were 
men of greater stature in Congress, but none, 
we think, for whom the majority had a heartier 
liking. His religion fitted him closely, but had 
an easy set. 

It does not fall within the range of this nar- 
rative to characterize Mr. Odell's general public 
services ; but we may be allowed to touch two 
or three points relating to it. It is well known 
that, though a life-long Democrat, he was the 
ardent and most serviceable advocate of the 
war against the Rebellion, and on all the main 
questions acted with the great Union majority. 
When he made his celebrated speech in favor 
of the Constitutional Amendment forever abol- 
ishing slavery some of his political friends were 
quite unhappy over his position, and after the 



78 



Pillars in the Temple. 



speech addressed him in words of anger mixed 
with profanity, to which he returned eool and 
sedate answers, Others of his party, however, 
were quite differently affected, and enough 
of them were induced to cast the right vote to 
secure the requisite two thirds. And there is 
good reason to believe that, but for Mr. Odell's 
aid, the Constitutional Amendment abolishing 
slavery would have been obliged to wait for the 
next Congress. He gave aid as a Democrat 
which he could not have given from the ranks 
of the other party. Democratic votes were ab- 
solutely essential. 

In looking over Mr. OdelFs life every one 
must be struck with its rare blending of the 
emotional and practical.. This holds both in 
his religion and business life. As a Christian, 
his heart seemed to stand for the whole man; 
but he had no need to stir it by artificial stimu- 
lants. He did not have himself wrought up 
into fervor, and stop then as at the goal. The 
blaze within was not a mere bonfire, lighted 
only for holiday occasions; it generated the 
ardor of practical life and turned the machinery 
of labor. He had in him the work of the think- 
ing man and the heat of the emotional man. 
If you saw him in church, you would say bis 
emotions predominated — you would be sure of 
it; but if you saw him working in the great 
enterprises of the Church, you would conclude 



Pillars in the Temple. 



79 



that the practical was foremost. And the same 
is true of his public life. Nat a theory of the 
Government, but a noble and generous heart, 
rallied him to the flag of his country and to 
the deliverance of the bondmen, and yet he 
wrought with unsurpassed steadiness and perse- 
verance. He showed that the roots which fix 
themselves in the heart may be even more vital 
than those which grow in the brain. His day 
is ended at mid-afternoon ; a joyful life of work 
is crowned by the almost visible coming of the 
heavenly chariots. 

Bishop Janes says : £i Our deceased friend 
was one of those who accomplished the object 
and secured the interests of our probationary 
state. He early comprehended the designs of 
his beneficent Creator in placing him in this 
condition of trial. He understood these pur- 
poses of God to be the securing of his present 
and his eternal interests, and the glorifying of 
his Maker. He was a happy man while in this 
world. His was not the happiness of dissipa- 
tion, the pleasure of sensuality, the enjoyment 
of indolence ; he found his happiness in the cul- 
tivation of those intellectual and moral attri- 
butes with which God had invested him ; in the 
exercise of the social and the religious affections 
with which he was gifted ; in the discharge of 
those duties which devolved, upon him, and to 
which he was providentially called. In these 



80 



Pillars in the Temple. 



he found a happiness which satisfied his highest 
nature. That he secured his future well-being, 
his Christian life, his beautiful sickness — for it 
was beautiful to see him struggling with disease 
and enduring agonies for weeks and even months, 
while his soul was as tranquil as a summer even- 
ing — his Christian life, I repeat, his beautiful 
sickness, his peaceful and triumphant exit from 
the world, leave us no room to question that lie 
secured to himself, through grace in J esus Christ, 
the felicity of tbte eternal world. So far as he is 
concerned, then, he has fully accomplished the 
objects of this probationary state. 

"He also, in our judgment, accomplished the 
other great purpose of our earthly being: he 
glorified God upon earth. He did this by ac- 
knowledging God — acknowledging his belief in 
God — every-where, and always, and under all 
circumstances, declaring that he recognized him 
as his creator, as his rightful sovereign, as the 
source of his blessings, and the proper object of 
his obedience and devotion. He honored God 
by worshiping him, by rendering to him his best 
and his highest affections, by rendering to him 
his cheerful homage, his holiest and most ardent 
adoration, thanksgiving, and praise. He honored 
God by serving him in his generation ; he served 
God in his Church. One of his spheres of ac- 
tivity, and, perhaps, his favorite one, was the 
Sabbath-school. When a mere child he re- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



81 



quested his father to take him to Sunday-school, 
and from that period until the close of his life 
he was associated with that institution as a 
scholar, as a teacher, as a teacher of the infant 
class, and as a superintendent. 

" He was most patient, most constant, and 
most zealous in this sphere of Christian activity. 
When the Sunday-School Union of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church was organized, in 1852, 
he was one of the original incorporators, and 
from that time until his death he was one of the 
Managers of the Union, and one of its Board of 
Directors, and gave thorough and constant at- 
tention to all the duties of that office. There 
are many whose hearts will exclaim, 6 How in- 
adequate is this description of his character'and 
work as a Sunday-school laborer ! ' We feel 
ourselves how inadequate it is, but time will 
not allow us to linger any longer here. 

" For fourteen years he was a Manager of our 
Missionary Society. His punctuality, his discre- 
tion, and his zeal, made him one of the most 
influential and useful members of the Board." 

The Board of Managers ordered unanimously 
that the following paper be entered upon their 
records, and published in the " Christian Advo- 
cate : " 

" Mission Rooms, June 19, 1866. 

" The Board of Managers of the Missionary 

Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church have 
6 



82 Pillars in the Temple. 



convened in their stated session to-day under a 
sense of sore bereavement. 

" The Hon, Moses F. Odell, one of the vice- 
presidents of the society, and frequently one of 
its representatives in the General Missionary 
Committee, and for fourteen years a faithful 
eo-worker in the Board, died at his residence in 
Brooklyn, 2s . T., on the 13th day of June in- 
stant, after a long and painful illness. 

" Deeply sensible of the loss they have sus- 
tained in his decease, and cherishing an affec- 
tionate remembrance of his worth, the Board 
desire to inscribe an appropriate record to his 
memory. 

u Tliey acknowledge their gratitude to God 
for his goodness in permitting them to enjoy so 
long the pleasant companionship, the excellent 
counsels, and the valuable co-operation of 
Brother Odell, as an associate in the Missionary 
Board ; and, though they now mourn his de- 
parture, they are consoled by the reflection that 
he has joined the higher fellowship of the just 
made perfect. 

" In reference to his private life, as well as to 
the important public positions which he held 
for many years, the Board unite in the univer- 
sal testimony which ascribes to him the traits 
of true manliness, incorruptible integrity, and 
Christian principle; and especially do they con- 
cur in the commendation of his course while a 



Pillars ix the Temple. 



83 



Representative in the Congress of the United 
States, diligently exerting his energy and influ- 
ence to uphold our national Government, then 
imperiled by rebellion and civil war. 

u The portraiture of his character will be en- 
riched by the evidences of his official fidelity, his 
conscientious rectitude, his patriotism, and his 
Christian usefulness. 

" Xor was the light of his religious life a tran- 
sient gleam ; it was the sun which rolled over its 
horizon from the morning to the evening, at- 
taining at last a glory unknown before, and 
illustrating the truth that c the path of the just 
is as the shining light, that shineth more and 
more unto the perfect day.' 

" His survivors in the Board would with like 
fidelity serve the same adorable Master, and with 
like faith attain at length, through infinite riches 
of grace in Christ Jesus, the same victory in the 
decisive hour. 

"It is ordered that this minute be engrossed 
in the journal of the proceedings of the Board, 
and that a copy be forwarded to the bereaved 
widow of the deceased. 

" E. S. J axes, Vice-President. 

"Dayid Tekry, Recording Secretary" 

He was also found ready for every good word 
and work in Brooklyn — in ministering to the 
poor, in assisting voting men to acquire an edu- 



84 



Pillars in the Temple, 



cation and business positions, and in promoting 
in all possible ways their welfare ; also in sus- 
taining the institutions of the Church, giving 
his presence and his services to the social meet- 
ings, long officiating as a class-leader, and for 
years leading two classes, giving special service 
in times of revival when the presence of God 
was peculiarly manifest in the Church, and 
when the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the 
people. His record is not only in heaven, but 
in the hearts of many on earth. 

He also served his generation by serving the 
State. He was for a long number of years con- 
nected with the Custom-house of this port. He 
commenced as a clerk, and by his merit soon 
secured promotion to the office of Assistant Col- 
lector. He was also for several years appraiser- 
general, a position of great responsibility, in- 
volving in its duties great delicacy and difficulty. 
And few men, if any, have passed through this 
class of offices and stood in these positions for 
so many years with so clear and so pure a record 
as our departed brother. 

By the suffrage of his fellow-citizens he was 
elected a member of the Thirty-seventh and also 
of the Thirty-eighth Congresses. In these bodies 
he was a member of the Committee on Indian 
Affairs; he was Chairman of the Committee on 
the Expenses of the Treasury Department, and 
a member of the Committee on Military Affairs, 



Pillars ra the Temple, 



85 



in all which Committees he was found to be 
most faithful, earnest, and useful in the dis- 
charge of his duties, His greatest responsi- 
bility, however, while a member of Congress, 
was involved in his being a member of the 
Committee on the Conduct of the War. On 
that committee he rendered to our nation, he 
rendered to our then chief executive officer, he 
rendered to our army, a service which the world 
cannot yet perceive. He was not lashed to the 
mast of the ship-of-war as she went into action, 
but in the retired committee-room, where all 
the movements of the war, where all the in- 
terests of the war were considered, and where 
advice was prepared and given to those who 
more openly conducted the campaigns, were 
performed services which can never be appre- 
ciated until the history of this generation shall 
be fully written. At the time of his death he 
was the X aval Officer of this port ; an office of 
great responsibility, which, on account of his 
illness, he resigned more than once to the Presi- 
dent, who, however, declined acceptance. In 
all these public positions he was found to be 
prepared for his responsibilities. 

The first element of his success, both in Church 
and State, unquestionably was, his capacity. 
Circumstances and influential friends may some- 
, times, even in this country, place a man in a 
position for which he is not qualified ; but we in- 



86 



Pillars in the Temple. 



sist that here, where all these places- of power 
and of influence are held by the suffrage of the 
people, no man can begin in a humble sphere 
and rise to the higher positions and maintain 
himself and fully discharge his duties, who has 
not capacity. Our deceased brother was a man 
of quick, clear perception ; he was a man of in- 
tuitively sound judgment ; he was a man of reso- 
lute and determined will; he was a man of in- 
domitable perseverance and ceaseless activity ; 
and by these qualifications he was- prepared for 
the places of trust which the people proffered 
him. 

Another element of Jiis success was integrity — 
thorough uprightness before God and the world, 
At this hour there are thousands of young as- 
pirants to place and power in this nation, who 
will fail utterly because they are wanting in 
moral integrity. And, though cunning and 
craft may sometimes secure a temporary advan- 
tage, I want to say to all young men that in- 
tegrity and worth are the only forces which can 
be permanently powerful. The wicked have 
ruled this, world about as long as God intends 
they shall rule, and his providence, his word 
and his Spirit declare that the wickedness of the 
wicked shall have an end, and that truth and 
righteousness shall prevail. His moral integrity 
and his truthfulness gave our.departed friend his* 
permanent power in the Church and in the State. 



Pillars in the Temple. 87 



Another element of his success was found in 
his order — his system of life and business. He 
was in the place of business at the right hour, 
every thing was done at the right time, and 
every thing was put in its right place, every 
duty received its due attention, and by his 
orderly and systematic life he found time for 
every thing. When filling "his highest public 
offices in the nation, he found time for all his 
religious devotions, and for all the duties which 
he owed to his Church. There was nothing 
hap-hazard, nothing left to chance. It was plan 
•and purpose, it was system and order, adopted 
and adhered to, that gave him his usefulness. 

A further element of his success was found in 
his sympathy with humanity. It was this that 
inspired him with his unusual love of childhood, 
and gave him his intense interest in the Sunday- 
school. What a heart of sympathy he had ! 
His sympathy led him to seek constantly and 
by all means the conversion of sinners, to speak 
to them in private, to exhort them in public, 
and with tears and prayers to endeavor to lead 
them to Christ. How he pitied the unthinking, 
the reckless, the imprudent, whose steps, in his 
eyes, took hold on hell ! How strong and earnest 
was his desire to snatch them as brands from the 
burning ! This, too, was the mainspring of his 
patriotism. He saw what great problems of 
civil and religious rights were being worked out 

o p ■ - p 



88 



Pillars in the Temple. 



in this country. He apprehended, to some ex- 
tent at least, the immensity of human destiny 
that is to be affected for weal or woe by the 
future of this land. A chaplain in one of the 
hospitals at Washington once gave me this nar- 
ration. Said he, " After the battles of the Pen- 
insula large numbers of wounded and sick sol- 
diers were brought to the hospitals. Mr. Odell 
went through the hospitals, one after another, 
seeking every-where to find if there should be 
one of his Sunday-school boys, whom he had 
here known in his place of accustomed worship. 
One day he found a soldier, wounded and suffer- 
ing, who recognized him as his Sunday-school 
superintendent. Mr. Odell learned from the 
surgeon that in all probability he must die. 
Every day, at, the adjournment of Congress, he 
went straight to that hospital and to that Sun- 
day-school boy, and talked with him, and prayed 
with him, until he professed faith in the Lord 
Jesus Christ; and Mr. Odell was at his side 
when he died declaring his trust in Jesus and 
his hope of heaven." 

When in Congress he voted for the removal 
of slavery from the District of Columbia; he 
voted for the change of the Constitution which 
forever prohibited slavery; and not only voted 
tor it, but gave also his declarations on the floor 
of Congress in behalf of that measure. Manv 
of his friends have seen a picture in which the 



Pillars m the Temple. 



89 



photographs of all those members of Congress 
who voted for emancipation are clustered to- 
gether. One of those pictures hung in his sick- 
chamber. In his last and dying days it was a 
joy to his heart that he had spoken and voted 
in behalf of that great measure of national jus- 
tice. I need not enlarge on this topic, as there 
are so many who have witnessed these mani- 
festations of sympathy with the interests of hu- 
manity, and who understand so well his charac- 
ter in this respect. 

Another element of his success in life was his 
simplicity. He was one of the few men. even 
in the Church, who are not damaged by pros- 
perity. When he attained to wealth and soeial 
position he neither changed in his feelings nor 
his habits. He was not so silly as to suppose 
that he could only maintain and enjoy social 
consideration by pomp, and circumstance, and 
show. He maintained to his dying day the 
plain, simple manner of an unostentatious 
Christian and a pure republican citizen ; and we 
delight to hold up our brother in this respect 
before the world, that all may look upon and 
imitate his bright example. May the young 
people in this age look at him and remember 
him. He prospered in the world, and filled a 
high position in society, and yet he was plain 
;and simple in all his manners and in all his life. 
I would that I could photograph this aspect of 



90 Pillars in the Temple. 



his character before the whole Church of which 
he was a member. 

Another element of his success was his social 
excellence. He was a happy man. a joyous 
spirit. Sunlight was always upon his counte- 
nance — kindness and hope for all were in his 
words — consequently, his very presence any- 
where and every-where was a sign of good cheer. 
But more than this, he was attentive to the wants 
and wishes, the circumstances and interests, of 
all with whom he was associated. His love, his 
kind words, his genial spirit, made his social 
circle one of the happiest spheres in which mor- 
tals move on earth. His bright countenance, 
his kind looks and affectionate expressions, gave 
the children of the Sunday-school and his teach- 
ers associated with him to understand that he 
had a heart of love for them all. Never did 
Moses F. Odell meet a poor, wicked, but needy, 
person for whom he had not a word of kindness 
and an act of benevolence. The highest and 
the lowest, the wisest and the most ignorant, 
the most religious and the most vicious, were 
alike the objects of his attention and interest. 
He said upon his sick bed : u As I look back over 
my past life and think what kindness I did to 
such a one, the little service I rendered such a 
one, the help I afforded to such a one, it gives 
me such pleasure now, such satisfaction now, 
that I cannot express it." Referring to one 



Pillars ra the Temple. 



91 



young man whom lie had assisted in acquiring 
an education, and who had become a Christian 
minister, and through whose preaching many 
sinners had been converted, he said to me, " That 
pays ! How rich is this reward ! How good is 
God to give me to see such results of my imper- 
fect doings in this world ! " 

Another, and the highest element of his suc- 
cess, was his Christian consistency. Even before 
he made a profession of religion he identified 
himself with the people and with the cause of 
God. He was superintendent of this Sunday- 
school before he was a member of the Church, 
carrying out the principle which Peter Bohlar 
advised Wesley to practice upon — ;i Preach faith 
until you get it." This, perhaps, would not be 
safe as a general rule ; in his case it had a happy 
effect. Soon afterward he became a professor 
of the Christian religion, united himself with the 
Church of Christ, and from that time forth he 
every- where was open, humble, but positive, in 
his profession of his faith. He was never 
ashamed to say anywhere, in any company, " I 
believe the Bible to be the word of God ; I be- 
lieve that Jesus Christ died to redeem sinners ; 
I place my hope of immortality and of eternal 
felicity in the vicarious sufferings of Christ on 
the cross ; I believe in the Holy Ghost, which 
has renewed my heart, which has illumined my 
mind, which has made me a new creature in 



92 Pillars in the Temple. 

Christ Jesus. I love God, and I delight in his 
service and work." I repeat it : every-where, in 
every company, under all circumstances, he was 
ready with meekness to give a reason of the hope 
that was in him. In this adherence in practice 
to profession was found the explanation of much 
of the confidence which the Church and the 
nation reposed in him. There is no more 
certain way of destroying our influence and 
thwarting our plans than to be inconsistent in 
our profession and practice of the religion of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Odell at Washington 
was just as public in his attention to the Sun- 
day-school, just as frequent in his attendance 
upon class-meetings and missionary meetings, 
as he was in New York or Brooklyn. It was 
understood by the President and his Cabinet, 
by Congress, and all public men in Washington, 
that he was a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, a disciple of the Lord Jesns 
Christ, that he claimed to be a Christian, and 
that he was determined to act upon Christian 
principles. He trusted in the cross — he wears 
the crown. Our friend, our brother, the dis- 
ciple of Jesus, the servant of God, the Christian 
philanthropist, the Christian patriot, sleeps ; his 
spirit is with God. May his Saviour be our 
Saviour, his glory our glory. 

" But for the war," says Dr. Crooks, " we 
should never have known the full force and 



Pillars in the Temple. 



93 



nobleness of his character. The inspirations of 
patriotism gave him a power which he had 
never before developed. 

" Manly to the core, he would have made any 
personal sacrifice to preserve the integrity of the 
Union. He forwarded, with all the energy of 
his practical talent, the raising and equipping 
of volunteer regiments. 

" He associated himself almost personally with 
the soldiers who went to the field from his Con- 
gressional District, following them with solici- 
tude through all their varied fortunes, and 
having the name often applied to him of 6 Sol- 
dier's Friend.' 

"I had always heard that the sight of the 
effusion of blood singularly affected him, pro- 
ducing in him a sensation of faintness. And 
yet, after the terrible battles of the Virginia 
Peninsula, one of the first to hasten from Wash- 
ington to minister to the wounded and dying 
was Moses F. Odell. 

" I have heard him describe, with irresistible 
pathos, a scene which must have deeply touched 
his religious feeling. In the cabin of one of the 
large steamboats employed by the Government 
to bring away from the field the sorely wounded, 
while he was ministering to the suffering and 
dying who filled the berths and covered the 
floor, a soldier began singing, to a familiar 
Methodist tune, c On Jordan's stormy banks I 



94 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



stand.' Almost instantly the strain was caught 
up by a score or more of the sufferers, who 
found in this way an alleviation of their pain 
and an expression of their trust. In the midst 
of such scenes Mr. Odell was in his element. 
Repulsive as war was to him, his quick Chris- 
tian sympathy found active employment in re- 
lieving the miseries that follow in its train. His 
ministrations to the sick severely taxed his bodily 
energies, and in the end sensibly impaired his 
health." 

In person Mr. Odell was of the average 
height, round and full, his face smooth, and 
his voice sweet and without harshness. No 
one who knew him can ever forget his cheery 
laugh. His entire manner was buoyant, and 
yet marked with decision and energy. A great 
force of will was in him, tempered by an equally 
great fund of good-nature. His d-ecision was 
free from irregularities and crotchets. He worked 
well in association with other men, and yet 
without seeming to mean it. He advanced 
rapidly to the position of leadership. His dying 
experience was a remarkable illustration of the 
power of saving faith. But we will let his Pas- 
tor, the Rev. Charles Fletcher, describe the 
closing scenes : 

u Sometimes when lying as if he could scarcely 
speak or move, when teachers and some of the 
larger scholars would gather around his bed, and 



Pillars est the Temple. 



95 



I would be standing perhaps within the range 
of his vision, he would suddenly spring np as if 
lie had all the strength and vigor of a stout man- 
hood and exclaim, c Mr. Fletcher, there is not 
such another sight as this outside the Christian 
Church ! There is not one of these that I have 
not prayed with; not one of them that I have 
not talked with ; not one of these that I have 
not tried to lead to Jesus, Mary, you remem- 
ber the time you bowed at the altar? Joseph, you 
remember the time when you came weeping ? 5 
And so he w T ould go on from one to another. 
They were all his children, and he lo # ved them 
as affectionately as any father ever loved chil- 
dren. But I cannot stop to multiply these anec- 
dotes ; I have a great many of them, which have 
come into my possession, partly from my own 
observation, and partly from reports of them. 

" He rode, out past the church where our Con- 
ference was in session in April, and it was with 
difficulty that 'he could be restrained from going 
into the Conference room. 6 1 want,' said he, 
6 to say halleluiah to the preachers ; 5 and as he 
passed by the church he put his head out of the 
window and shouted, 6 Halleluiah ! God is with 
me.' He wished to tell every body it was so. 
He went up to visit the bank where he was a 
director, and went into the President's room, 
and began to tell the President how happy he 
was. He shouted halleluiah until all the busi- 



96 



Pillars in the Temple. 



ness of the bank stopped — clerks wondered what 
was the matter. The President and Mr. Odell 
were weeping, vet gladness and joy were in their 
hearts, and in every heart that knew how to 
sympathize witli the triumphant Christian. In 
this way he went down to death. This is the 
substance of what we have to say. On the 
morning on which he died, when I visited him, 
he clasped his hands in token that he heard the 
prayer that he might fall into the divine embrace 
and be held there eternally. He clasped his 
hands and looked up, intimating that the divine 
Father held him in his arms, and that he felt 
assured of his everlasting safety in the keeping 
of that eternal God.*' 

Mr. Odell died on the 13th of June, 1866, 
and on the 15th, a multitude of those who had 
delighted to do him honor in life gathered in 
the church where he had so long labored, to pay 
the last sad tribute of respect to his memory. 

Such men as Moses F. Odell never die. The 
fragrance of their memories remains with us; 
the spirit in which they lived and worked re- 
mains with us to animate us to walk as they 
did in the path of duty, of heroism, and of 
sacrifice. 



Pillars in the Temple. 97 



ALLEN NEWMAN. 

ALLEN NEWMAN, son of Zebulon and 
Priscilla Newman, was born at Long Ridge, 
Connecticut, October 29, 1803. 

He was not born to affluence, and was fa- 
vored with but a few months' attendance on a 
common-school ; yet, by the dint of personal 
application to study, wisdom in the economy 
and use of time, and perseverance in a course 
of well-doing, he worked his way up from ob- 
scurity, won to himself many friends, reached 
an honorable position among men, and became 
an example worthy of imitation. His name 
must be placed in the honorable list of self- 
made men. By his noble life he wrote his own 
diploma, and the Church and the community in 
which he lived virtually signed it as a testimo- 
nial to his manly character and moral worth. 

He experienced religion at the age of nine- 
teen, and joined the Allen-street Methodist 
Episcopal Church, New York. He rose rapidly 
to influence and position in the Church, and 
" was counted worthy of double honor." 

He held the office of trustee for many years, 
and aided, both officially and by his own means, 
in the erection of churches in Carmel, Sing Sing, 



98 Pillars in the Temple. 



and Tarrytown. He was an excellent steward, 
and took a deep interest in both the temporal 
and spiritual interests of the Church. He was 
one of the best financiers; and such was his abil- 
ity and success in this department of Church 
work that the financial interests of any Church 
enterprise were readily placed under his super- 
vision and direction. He was forty years a class- 
leader. 

He also held the important office of Sunday- 
school superintendent in Tarrytown for many 
years. In this relation he was eminently suc- 
cessful and greatly beloved. 

His influence was always salutary. He won 
and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the 
entire community where he lived. 

He was always happy in his family and 
domestic relations. He and his house " served 
the Lord. 55 

He was first married to Miss Martha Waring, 
May 25, 1828. Being early bereaved of a most 
excellent companion, he was again united in 
marriage, June 24, 1846, with Miss Catharine 
R. Burnett, a most estimable Christian woman. 
She was remarkable for her piety and devotion 
to the Church as well as to her family. She 
survived her husband's death but a short time. 
They were devoted to each other in life, and 
only separated from each , other by death for a 
little. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



99 



He was an efficient manager of the West- 
chester County Bible Society for some time. 

Few excelled him in the acquisition of knowl- 
edge. Mathematics was his specialty. When 
very young he outstripped his elder classmates, 
and seemed to gain a knowledge of figures 
almost by intuition. 

He was an excellent disciplinarian and educa- 
tor of the young. He was proprietor and prin- 
cipal of a large and flourishing boarding-school 
in Tarry town for many years ; and it is thought 
by those who knew him best, that by the means 
of his excellent school, and other influences 
which he employed, he did more to shape the 
settlement, form the taste, and mold the char- 
acter of Tarrytown, than any other man. 

Punctuality, order, and honesty marked all 
that he did. He was conscientious in all his 
dealings, consequently not most buoyant or 
joyous in his feelings. 

He was a firm and liberal friend of the Church 
to the last. Unselfish ; he lived to benefit the 
world, and was ever actuated more by principle 
than impulse. 

His last illness was protracted, and his suffer- 
ings very great. His fear of death gave place 
to complete victory over the last enemy. 

He died in Tarrytown, of disease of the heart, 
August 6, 1866. 

Just before his death his pastor said to him, 



100 



Pillars in the Temple. 



"Resignation is the top round of the ladder of 



" I am on that top round, sing halleluiah ! The 
sweet rivers of redeeming love lie just before 
my eyes, I feel free." Then that sweetest of 
all names, Jesus, was gently whispered, and he 
calmly fell asleep. 



"jlRANCIS HALL was born in the town of 



JC Taunton, Somerset County, England, on the 
12th of March, 1785. His parents were both 
pious and consistent members of the Wesley an 
Church, on whose ministry the son regularly at- 
tended. Thus he was reared amid many prayers, 
and under a strictly religious influence. 

At the age of fourteen he came to the United 
States, and soon took steps to become a citizen 
of his adopted country. Coming over at so 
early an age, when his habits and tastes were 
scarcely formed, and while the country was yet 
in its infancy, he readily drank in the spirit of 
the nation, conformed to its character and views, 
and became thoroughly Americanized. This 
transformation, if, indeed, it could be called 
such, was facilitated by the rapid growth and 



Christian graces. 



He triumphantly answered 



FRANCIS HALL. 




Pillars of the Temple. 101 



improvement of the country, going on under his 
own eye, in which he was personally concerned 
both as an advocate and an actor. In fact he 
always desired to be regarded not as an English- 
man, but as an American, for such he really was 
in every fiber of his heart. 

This feeling was increased by the fact that it 
was in the United States that he was brought 
into son ship with Christ, and became a member 
of his visible Church. It was on the 7th day of 
March, 1807, when he was twenty-tw r o years 
of age, that he became a full member of the 
John-street Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
at once entered into the entire confidence and 
esteem of his brethren, as was evinced by the 
several positions of importance to which he 
w r as appointed. 

In the same year in which Mr. Hall joined 
the Church was organized the society for the 
relief of the sick and poor, known generally as 
the Assistance Society. In this he at once be- 
came an active visitor, and for many years served 
as its secretary. 

In 1812 he was appointed class-leader in the 
place of Mr. Bakewell, who was obliged to 
leave the city in the time of the war with Great 
Britain, in consequence of not being a natural- 
ized citizen. It may, even at this distant pe- 
riod, be interesting to some to know that soon 
after the close of the war Mr. Hall was ap- 



102 



PlLLAES OF THE TEMPLE. 



pointed leader of the large class of colored per- 
sons belonging to the J ohn-street Church. They 
met nearly opposite the Reformed Dutch Church 
in Ann-street, at the residence of Sarah Paul, 
familiarly known as " Aunt Sally/' She was a 
very devoted woman, who, for many years, used 
to be visited by pious persons of different de- 
nominations for her godly counsel and wise in- 
struction in things pertaining to religious life. 
She lived to the extraordinary age of one hun- 
dred and fourteen years. 

Mr. Hall was among the most active in the 
formation of the Missionary Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. This was in the 
year 1819. All the ministers then in the city 
took tea at his house, whence they proceeded 
to the Forsyth-street Church, (then known as 
Second-street,) where this society was organized. 
Of this society our friend was elected clerk or 
recording secretary, an office which he retained 
for thirty years. He was subsequently elected 
a vice-president, being the first layman ever 
chosen to that position. He was afterward con- 
stituted a life patron. In connection with this 
office he was deputed to visit the Indian missions 
in Upper Canada, in which visit he was accom- 
panied by Mrs. Hall, whose whole heart was 
imbued with the missionary spirit, and who 
entered most cordially into all her husband's 
plans of benevolence. This was a deeply inter- 



PlLLAES OF THE TEMPLE. 



103 



esting visit, though unfortunately we find not 
the slightest record of the incidents connected 
with it. 

The* first Bible Society formed in this city 
was the Young Men's Bible Society of New 
York. It was formed in the office of Robert 
M'Cartee, Esq., afterward the Eev. Dr. M'Car- 
tee. Of this society Mr. Hall was elected vice- 
president, and afterward was elected treasurer. 
He was accustomed to tell of the trepidation 
with which he took the chair, in the absence of 
the president, to preside at one of the anniver- 
saries held in the assembly room of the City 
Hotel. It was not until he had made unavail- 
ing efforts to get some one to take the place. 
The eloquent Dr. John M. Mason, then recently 
returned from Europe, was one of the speakers 
on that occasion. This society was subsequently 
changed to the New York Bible Society, which 
in 1829 became auxiliary to the American Bible 
Society. Of this Mr. Hall was, in 1823, elected 
a manager, and was subsequently appointed a 
vice-president. 

He was also a vice-president of the American 
Tract Society, to which he was nominated by 
the Rev. John Summerfield. For many years 
he was also a manager of the New York Insti- 
tution for the Deaf and Dumb. He was also 
long a manager of the New York Colonization 
Society, of which some years ago he was elected 



101 PlLLAES OF THE TEMPLE. 

a vice-president. He was also a member of the 
Council of the New York University, 

With all these public trusts it will be easily 
seen that his life must have been a very busy 
one. For these offices were not merely nominal. 
He made it a point of conscience to fulfill the 
duties of any office that he consented to hold, 
and those who were accustomed to serve with 
him can bear testimony to his fidelity and punct- 
uality. In a brief memorandum found among 
his posthumous papers he says, "I have no rec- 
ollection that I ever "kept a meeting waiting for 
me. It was my aim to be at the place appointed 
at the moment appointed for the meeting." 

Some years after coming to this country Mr. 
Hall became connected with the " Commercial 
Advertiser" and the " Spectator," of which he 
subsequently became chief proprietor and pub- 
lisher. This gave him great notoriety, and 
secured to him very extensive influence. It 
brought him into close connection with many 
persons of distinction, both native and foreign. 
Had die written down his recollections of 'dis- 
tinguished men he might have made a most in- 
teresting and instructive volume. Few persons 
had such materials at command. He was urged 
by more than one of his friends to undertake 
this work. But the multiplicity of his engage- 
ments and the pressure of his affairs left him no 
leisure. It is much to be regretted. 



Pillars of the Temple. 



105 



In about the year 1833 Mr. Hall united with 
some other excellent and enterprising gentle- 
men, among whom were the venerated names of 
Suckley, Innes, and others deceased, and a few 
yet living, in organizing a pewed church. This, 
was a novelty in New York Methodism, and 
brought on its originators and co-laborers no 
little opprobrium. But they believed the time 
for this movement had fully come, that the in- 
terests of religion and of Methodism demanded 
it, and that God would bless the undertaking. 
From this arose the First "Wesleyan Chapel, as 
it was called, located in Vestry-street, which 
gave a great impulse to improvement in church 
architecture in our Zion. Rev. J. Holdich 
was the first pastor of the precious little 
flock gathered together in that fold. It was 
here that he became personally and intimately 
acquainted with Mr. Hall. He was one of the 
choice spirits in that circle ; ready in every 
good word and work, full of Christian chastened 
zeal, judicious, sympathizing, faithful in all offi- 
cial as well as private duties. As a class-leader, 
steward, and visitor of the sick and destitute, he 
was every thing that a Christian pastor could 
desire. It was said of Jonathan that he went 
to David to the wood and strengthened his 
hands in God ; so did Mr. Hall often to his 
pastor. He was just one from whom sympathy 
and counsel might be had in times of need 



106 Pillars of the Temple. 



!N~ext to his duty to God and deep conscien- 
tiousness, the two qualities that shone most 
brightly among his virtues, were two that seldom 
exist together to so great an extent — sympathy 
and judgment. He was a man of uncommonly 
deep sensibility, and yet his feelings rarely, if 
ever, led his judgment astray. He had the ten- 
derness of a woman, blended with the judgment 
of the mature and well-developed man. These 
conjoined gave him wonderful power of attrac- 
tion. He w r as a magnet drawing all hearts to 
himself, and pointing them to Christ. 

Mr. Hall was not a man to court distinction 
or seek for honors. Without his seeking or 
connivance, even without his knowledge, but 
urged to it by several gentlemen of influence, 
the Wesleyan University, at the Commence- 
ment in 1854, conferred on him the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Civil Laws. But such was 
his modesty that he never consented to use the 
title, and was unwilling to have it ascribed to 
him. 

During the latter period of his life our de- 
ceased friend passed through a fiery ordeal to 
which few of God's children are subjected. For 
over a year and a half he was confined to his 
bed or to his sick-chamber. During this whole 
period he had but few hours free from pain, 
while often his sufferings were most intense. 

During this long period we saw no symptom 



PlLLAES W THE TEMPLE. 



107 



of impatience, or loss of confidence, or diminu- 
tion of Christian love and hope. These shone 
brighter and brighter to the last. It was a very 
deeply affecting occasion when, on the 8th of 
February, 1865, Bishop Janes, who was a fre- 
quent and most profitable visitor of Mr. Hall, 
with his pastor, Dr. Fox, and some Christian 
friends, met in his sick-chamber to unite with 
him in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. 
His heart was deeply affected, and he entered 
with intense earnestness into the spirit of the 
ordinance. A sweet female voice sang, 4i There 
is a fountain filled with blood," and a tender 
hymn on a Christian death, to which he list- 
ened with evident delight, and responded with 
deep emotion. It was delightful to see and feel 
how the power of grace could sustain a depart- 
ing soul. He proved, however, not so near his 
end as we all supposed. But though his life 
and sufferings were unexpectedly prolonged, 
neither his patience nor his faith once failed. At 
one time he was about to express a desire to be 
released from his sufferings, but he checked him- 
self, saying, " No, the will of the Lord be done. 
Let me willingly bide his time." 

While racked with excruciating pain, so pro- 
tracted and wearing to the spirits, it was won- 
derful how his mental faculties retained their 
vigor, and how he kept up his interest in every 
thing that had engaged his attention. His 



108 



Pillars in the Temple. 



almost only earthly solace, aside from the atten- 
tion of his family and his friends, was in read- 
ing, in which most of his time was spent. His 
conversation was chiefly on the interests of 
religion, the state of our country, and the con- 
dition of the several religions and benevolent 
associations with which he was connected. He 
never seemed to forget them; always, on every 
visit, making inquiries as to their condition, 
progress, recent movements, and the like, show- 
ing that his interest in them knew no abate- 
ment, and that he kept himself informed on 
their affairs to the last. 

When the symptoms indicated a speedy close 
of his earthly career, Mr. Hall commenced jot- 
ting down some memoranda of his life, but so 
briefly and modestly as by no means to do 
justice to himself Of these we have availed 
ourselves in drawing up this imperfect sketch, 
giving such expansion to them as our space per- 
mits. The few final entries we here insert 
entire, with scarcely a verbal alteration : 

"May 23, 1866. What a change has come 
over me ! Yesterday and to-day my severe 
pains have nearly left me. Indeed, my whole 
system seems to have changed. Whether it is 
from the use of morphine or not I cannot tell. 
I am thankful to my heavenly Father for pres- 
ent ease, and whether the change portends a 
near dissolution or not, I will trust to Him that 



Pillars in the Teempl. 



109 



hath so many years been my protector. One 
of ray greatest comforts has been the full belief 
that when I am called from my earthly friends 
I shall meet and recognize those I haye loyed 
on earth who have passed to their heavenly 
mansions, I was a little startled yesterday in 
reading a passage in the ' Life and Letters of 
Rev. F. W. Robertson.' That gentleman, on 
being questioned as to our knowledge of de- 
parted friends, said i that he saw no oause 
either in Scripture or reason for believing that 
there was (is) any universal law of recognition.' 
On the other hand, I soon after read the me- 
moir of that excellent minister of Christ, the 
Rev. James Wood, a well-known Wesleyan 
minister. Just previous to his departure, when 
in the full enjoyment of his mind, he said he 
believed he had more friends in heaven than 
on earth, and he rejoiced in the prospect of 
again seeing his old companions who had gone 
before him. Surely our knowledge will not be 
less in the spirit-land than it is while living in 
this world. 

" May 19, 1866. Truly, I can sing of mercy, 
I have been now seventy-two weeks confined 
either to my bed or to the sick-room, and most 
of the time in great distress of body, but cheer- 
ful in mind. Many of my friends, during the 
time, have been called away. I have suffered, 
yet many have suffered much more. Most of 



110 



Pillars in the Temple, 



the time I have been able to read ; thus I have 
acquired more information than 1 should have 
done had I enjoyed good health. N~o one could 
have had more attention from endeared friends, 
male and female; and I know the Lord will 
reward them for their acts of kindness. And 
here, let me say to all Christians, do not forget 
the sick." 

These are the last words in his journal, and 
probably the last he ever wrote. Soon after 
this he was confined entirely to his bed, and 
lingered on until the 11th day of August, 1866, 
when he quietly breathed his last, and went up 
to the bosom of his God, in the eighty-second 
year of his age, He died at his residence in 
Brevoort Place, isew York. 

Dr. EL J. Fox describes the closing scenes 
of his life as follows : 

" It having been my privilege, as the pastor 
of this venerable man of God, to visit him with 
great frequency during his painful and pro- 
tracted affliction, 1 deem it to be my duty to 
give the Ciiurch of which he was an honored 
member for more than threescore years a rem- 
iniscence or two of his death-bed experiences 
and sayings. I am sure that they will afford 
evidence of the continued truth of the old affir- 
mation, 6 Our people die well.' 

" For nearly two years our now sainted 
brother was confined to his room by a most 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Ill 



malignant and agonizing disease. Never, how- 
ever, during the whole of that long period did 
the writer hear him complain, or s wish his 
sufferings less. 5 He was not only patient in 
suffering, but triumphant over both disease and 
death. I shall just record some of his sayings 
without troubling the reader with any connect- 
ing remarks. 

" 6 O,' said he to me one day, i to be so high 
and yet so low ! to be allowed to hold such com- 
munion and yet to be so unworthy ! I have 
peace, great peace. Do you ever, my dear pas- 
tor, think of what heaven really is, where angels 
surround us, 'angels ever bright and fair?" 5 

" He spoke almost with rapture, on one occa- 
sion, of the visits of Sisters Barry and Skidmore, 
and the Brothers Halsted, and then exclaimed, 
' O, to be so thought of, so comforted, so sus- 
tained ! I have heaven all around me. All the 
heaven I expect is just such feelings increased 
and made eternal.' 

" He inquired of me a few days after, if I 
thought that Jesus would be seen by us as we 
now see men. On my expressing my opinion 
that he took our humanity with him to heaven 
for the very purpose of enabling us to behold 
him, 4 Yes,' said he, c he will be a king ; but 
not a king in the sense in which men are kings. 
There will be nothing to aw T e, nothing to repel.' 
He then sang, urging me to sing with him : 



112 



Pillars in the Temple. 



4 1*11 praise ray Maker while Fve breath, 
And when my voice is lost in death, 
Praise shall employ my nobler powers.' 

Still later he said, c O what a sweet day I have 
had ! My mind has-been stayed upon God. It 
is a great comfort to me that my grandson 
Frank speaks in liis letters of the Protestant 
Church in Florence, and calls it our Church. 
He conducts the musical part of the service, 
and O to think that I have a descendant singing 
the praise of Christ in three languages, English, 
French, and Italian 1 ' 

" We sang together, ' Xo chilling winds,' etc., 
6 Though J ordan's waves,' etc. ; and then he said, 
c O read to me the twenty-third Psalm, for that 
Psalm contains my experience.' On another 
occasion he said, ' I have spent a dreadful day ! 
I was fearful that I might give way to murmur- 
ing, hut I have been saved as by fire. The 
pearly gates will soon burst, open. There will 
be singing in heaven, will there not ? ' He then 
talked of his intercourse with Bishops Asbury, 
George, and M'Kendree, and of his anticipated 
pleasure in meeting them again. 

" At one of my visits he said, 6 Last night, 
while my son was holding my head, which was 
drooping through weakness, I thought I had 
come to the river of which we have so often 
spoken. I said, 4i Is this the margin from which . 
we shrink ? Why, it is so narrow I cannot even 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 113 



sit on its banks. I must make haste to enter." 
A voice said, " I am thy strength, and will be 
thy Redeemer." I shouted out, " I will launch 
away ! " But the voice said, " Not yet." I 
answered, " Lord, thy will be done. Thou wilt 
be my strength and my portion forever." I 
think I am getting the better of the dread I had 
of going down to the grave. O why should I 
doubt him ? ' After singing, 6 Other refuge 
have I none,' etc., the conversation led him to 
indulge in several reminiscences connected with 
Tom Paine, whom he well knew, and with whom 
he often had business intercourse, ■ Paine used 
to say of death,' he remarked, ■ that it was a 
leap in the dark.' But,* thank God ! it is not 
so to me. No ! 6 O death, where is thy sting? 
O grave, where is thy victory % Blessed be God, 
w r ho giveth me the victory ? ' " 

" I spoke of the joy and faith which my inter- 
views with him inspired within my own bosom. 
6 Yes,' said he, ' let us sing: 

" ' And if our fellowship below 

In Jesus be so sweet, 
What heights of rapture shall we know 

When round his throne we meet! * 

" c I feel,' (said he at another time,) ' more and 
more anxious to fix the locality of heaven and 
make it literal. I wonder if I shall be permitted 
to talk with this group and then with that, and 
so until I have talked with all. And whether, 

8 



1U 



Pillars in the Temple. 



if, having talked with them once, I shall be per- 
mitted to do it again.' 

" He often spoke of Mr. Wesley, whom he 
frequently heard preach when living near 
Bristol. 

Ci £ It was no ordinary pleasure,' said he, c to 
fix the vestry for him, to prepare the candles, 
and provide the water. "When he went up into 
the pulpit I used to feel very proud, and seemed 
to say by the manner in which I carried myself, 
See what a preacher Fve got. My grandfather 
used to pray leaning on the top of his staff; and 
I remember once, when Mr. Wesley's bands got 
awry, I pulled at his staff to call his attention 
to the fact, and unfortunately brought the old 
gentleman to the ground. Mr. Wesley could 
sing well himself, and once when the person 
who had charge of that part of the public 
worship chose an inappropriate tune, Mr. Wes- 
ley said, " Sammy Chubb ! Sammy Chubb ! let 
us have better singing than that, or none at all." 
The words which Mr. Wesley read were : 

" 1 Thee we adore. Eternal Name, etc.,' 

and Sammy 'had selected a lively tune. Mr. 
Wesley himself selected a minor.' 

" £ To-morrow,' said he to me one Saturday, 
6 is your communion ; I shall commune with 
two Churches, the Church on earth and the 
Church in heaven.' 



Pillars in the Temple. 



115 



" When he was supposed to be very near his 
end, the holy communion was administered to 
him at his request. There were present the 
family, Bishop Janes, Dr. Hoidich, Mrs. Skid- 
more, and his Pastor. As soon as his eye 
rested on Mrs. Skid more, he broke out, c There 
is a fountain filled with blood,' intimating that 
he would like to hear her sing it. It was sung. 
He then exclaimed, 

" '0 how good it is to be blest 
And dwell where loving Jesus is. 7 

Afterward he clapped his hands together 
and cried out : 

" 4 Jesus all the day long 
Was my joy and my song, 
that all his salvation might see ; 
He hath loved me, I cried, 
He hath suffered and died 
To redeem even rebels like me.' 

" The last time but one that I saw him he was 
reading Oowper's Poems. He repeated with 
great feeling a few lines, and said, ' That is my 
favorite verse, and it is my experience : 

" ' My home henceforth is in the skies, 

Earth, seas, and sun, adieu ! 
All heaven unfolded to my eyes 

I have no sight for you.' 

" There are few men in the Methodist Church 
whose removal would leave so wide a gap as 



116 



PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 



that created by the departure of the good man 
to whose memory this tribute is penned." 



Central Methodist Church in Seventh Avenue, 
which is the successor to the Vestry-street 
Church, with which our deceased friend retained 
his connection from its first organization. An 
appropriate and admirable address was delivered 
by Bishop Janes, who had so often visited him, 
and administered to him during his illness, 
other ministers present taking part in the exer- 
cises. A large congregation of friends filled the 
church, among whom were many from the 
Boards of Managers of the Bible, the Mission- 
ary, and other societies, in which he had so long 
taken an efficient part. Thus a good man rests 
from his labors and his works do follow him. 
May we follow him as he followed Christ! 



ALBEET X. BEOTTX. 
LBEET X BROTO was born in Newark, 



moved to the city of Xew York for business 
purposes, where he remained until 1826. He 
then removed to Boston, where he lived for 
twelve years ; then to Chelsea, where he lived 
for eight years. In the year 1547 he returned 
to Newark, and very shortly to Irvingtou, from 



The funeral s 



ervices were performed at the 




Wnen a mere boy he re- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



117 



whence be was removed, January 3, 1887, to the 
better land. 

His parents were religious, and members of 
the Presbyterian Church. His own religious 
life began when he was about twenty years of 
age. He was awakened and brought under 
conviction by observing the piety and consist- 
ency of a good man with whom he was brought 
in contact in business. While seeking religion 
at the Forsyth-street Methodist Episcopal Church 
in New York he was tempted, as a result of his 
early education and prejudices, to believe that 
he was predestinated to eternal death. For 
three whole months he battled among the clouds 
of the Calvinistic theory of redemption ; then 
God had mercy upon him, and he saw Christ as 
a universal Saviour, and never afterward, in all 
his life, did he love or countenance the notion 
of a limited atonement. 

Some idea of his abilities for public usefulness, 
and the weight of his Christian influence, may 
be had from the fact that in every Church of 
the many with which he had been connected, 
except the one in which he remained for one or 
two years as a convert, he has held all of the 
official relations which it is in the power of the 
Church to confer upon a Christian layman. And 
we do not write at random now, or without 
data, when we say that in all of these places of 
responsibility he excelled, and succeeded as few 



118 Pillars in the Temple. 



men ever succeed. In the temporal and spirit- 
ual interests of Christ's kingdom he was an 
example for all the Churches. To him to hold 
an official relation in a Church was no sinecure. 
We believe it to be absolutely true, that at the 
moment he accepted, as a duty, the official rela- 
tion of a trustee or steward in the Methodist 
Church, from that very moment he considered 
that he was responsible for, and that all his per- 
sonal influence and all his private property 
were involved to secure and to preserve, the 
credit, the honor, and the usefulness of the 
Church, even to a pecuniary risk : and upon 
what other theory than this can any man accept 
any such office ? It was, no doubt, because of 
this that he has been known to take thousands 
of dollars at a time from his private purse in 
the Church's emergency, that its permanent 
usefulness might not be impaired. The record 
of his exertions to establish Churches will be 
found in the volumes of the transactions of the 
New England Methodist Historical Society. 

Perhaps few men may be found who have 
succeeded so nearly in reducing the work of 
saving souls to a sacred science as he. His 
method, and prayer, and faith, and toil, made 
success almost certain. He was deaf, and could, 
not hear himself; but he was in the habit of 
taking his seat in the church where he could 
have a good view of the congregation, and 



Pillars in the Temple. 



119 



watched the people to see what was the effect 
of the sermon, and when he could detect in the 
countenance of any one or more persons the 
sign of emotion or contrition he marked that 
one. and so soon as the service was ended, and 
before the good impression was likely to be 
gone, he sought an interview, and with earnest 
entreaty urged the importance of coming to 
Christ now. It was a rule of his life never to 
allow a day to pass during which he did not 
make a personal effort to secure the salvation 
of some soul. 

Brother Brown was eminently successful as 
a Sunday-school teacher and superintendent. 
He secured the religious culture, and, under the 
Master, the conversion, of his scholars; and it 
was said that when Brother Brown's Sunday- 
school scholars were " born again" they were 
always two years old, so thoroughly were they 
educated in the j9te?i of salvation, and so indoc- 
trinated in the great fundamental truths of re- 
ligion and Methodism. As a member of the 
Methodist Church, aside from his many useful 
official relations, he loved the Church and its 
doctrines and discipline. The very thoughts 
of any modification in either caused him real 
grief. Salvation only by faith in Christ, the 
witness of the Spirit, which he declared he was 
never without, and the power of Jesus's blood 
to cleanse from all sin through the entire sane- 



120 



Pillars w the Temple. 



tification of the Spirit, he both believed and 
experienced. Yet he seemed to be clothed 
with humility, and to tremble lest he should 
assume too much. lSo doubt he had far hum- 
bler views of himself than any candid Christian 
could possibly have of him. He had compas- 
sion on the weaknesses of other men, and was 
in the habit of seeking to put the very best con- 
struction upon every thing. 

During the far greater part of his life he was 
an invalid and a great sufferer. More than once 
he had been thought to be at the very gates of 
death. He thought that more than once he had 
been restored only in direct answer to prayer. 
Once he was so near the other world that he said, 
he was " obliged to pray mightily, not for grace 
to die, but for grace to continue in the world. 55 

He had wonderful energy, which it was pain- 
ful for him to restrain unemployed. During 
the last months of his life he had not the use 
of his voice above a whisper. This was a sore 
trial to him. Standing in the midst of his par- 
lor, filled with friends come from the church to 
hold a prayer-meeting with him, he exerted 
himself to be heard in saying that he was " ready 
to die, and patiently waiting, 55 though if he had 
had his own way, perhaps not the best, he 
would have asked God to take him right in the 
midst of his work, without remaining inactive 
on earth. 



Pillars m the Temple. 121 



The last time lie was in the church was 
about three months before his death. It was 
upon the Sabbath day devoted to the Centenary 
celebration, in which he was deeply interested, 
and in which he was a most cheerful contributor. 
He was especially thankful to God that he had 
been permitted to see the Centenary of American 
Methodism, in the establishment and extension 
of which, in his earlier days, he had been so 
successful a worker, especially in New England. 
Yet no heart responded more heartily than his, 
" Give all the glory to God." 

During his last days on earth he suffered in- 
tensely, but bore his great pain with patience. 
He took great comfort in the presence of his 
family, one member of which is a member of 
the Newark Conference. But most of all, he 
seemed to receive great strength from the 
constant presence of his Saviour. And con- 
cerning the divine character of Christ, and the 
fullness of his redemption, he said he had the 
most glorious views. His conception of these 
great truths and their magnitude seemed to 
widen and brighten as his strength failed. And 
so praying for the Church, blessing his family, 
and exhorting his physician and friends to come 
to Christ now, he passed away to his eternal 
reward. 



122 



Pillars in the Temple 



THOMAS SCHUYLER 
HOMAS SCHUYLER was bom in the city 



X of Albany in the year 1811. He com- 
menced his business life as cabin boy on his 
father's vessel, plying between Albany and 
New York, and from this humble position rose 
up through the different grades of his profession 
to the highly prominent and influential position 
that he occupied at the time of his death. In 
1842, through the earnest prayers and influence 
of a godly sister, he was brought to feel his need 
of an interest in the Saviour's cleansing blood. 
And soon, under the ministry of Rev. S. Rem- 
ington, in the old Ferry-street Church, he found 
peace in believing, and from that hour until the 
time of his decease he remained a humble, de- 
voted Christian. He was eminently a pious 
man. Piety — deep, fervent piety — throbbed 
through every avenue of his soul, impelling him 
onward in the grand work that he accom- 
plished for God and the Church. He was ever 
kind to the poor, giving away thousands of dol- 
lars to alleviate their wants. He was never 
known to speak an unkind nor hasty word to 
any one. He seldom missed a class or prayer- 
meeting when in the city, unless prevented by 




Pillars in the Temple. 



123 



sickness. He was a faithful leader, and as a 
Sabbath-school superintendent he had no su- 
perior. It was through his instrumentality that 
the Ash Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was 
erected. He gave his personal supervision for 
two years to its erection, and more than twenty 
thousand dollars of his money. It will ever 
stand a monument of his greatness and Chris- 
tian benevolence. His last illness was severe, 
and death soon followed; but he died triumph- 
ant in the Lord. Gathering his family around 
him, he gave them words of exhortation and 
farewell, bidding them all meet him in heaven. 
He then charged his friends who had gathered 
around him to be true to the Church that he 
had loved so well. When asked by one of 
them, as he neared the cold stream of death, 
how it looked, he answered, " It is all glorious ; " 
and soon, without a struggle, he passed over to 
the other shore. 

Captain Thomas Schuyler departed this life 
in the city of Albany, September 26, 1866, aged 
55. He was buried on Saturday, the 29th, from 
the Ash Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, 
weeping thousands attending his funeral, and 
following his remains to their last resting-place. 
No one in that city will be more missed and * 
mourned than he. In speaking of his character 
one has said, " That he was held in the high- 
est esteem by business men for his enterprise 



124 



PlLLARS m THE TEMPLE. 



and integrity, by the religious community for 
his unostentatious piety and generosity, and by 
the poor for his uniform kindness and benevo- 
lence. He had no enemy in the world, and was 
universally beloved. We never knew a more 
symmetrical character. His life was useful, his 
death peaceful, his rest glorious." " Mark the 
perfect man and behold the upright, for the end 
of that man is peace." 



SAMUEL S. DAVENPORT-. 

SAMUEL S. DAVENPORT was the son of 
William and Frances Davenport. He was 
born in Phillipstown, Putnam County, 1ST. Y., 
August 5, 1811. The old homestead where he 
was born is about one mile and a half east of 
Cold Spring, on the Hudson, and is still retained 
in the family, being occupied by his brother, 
Stephen Davenport. His father's house was 
known for its hospitality and as the resting-place 
of the itinerant. 

Here Samuel, when about eighteen years of 
age, found peace with God while wrestling 
in prayer in his own room. His experience 
was deep, and his evidence of the divine 
favor bright and clear. He soon after joined 
the Church, and never wavered in his attach- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



125 



ment to all lier interests to the day of his death. 
He was ever the devoted friend of the ministers 
of the cross, and many of them, both among 
the living and the sainted dead, have often 
found rest and refreshment in his hospitable 
home. He was 66 given to hospitality." 

He grew in favor with the people, and, as 
a citizen, occupied the highest position in the 
confidence and esteem of his townsmen where 
he so long resided. An opposing candidate for 
any civil office was almost always sure of defeat. 
He was a general favorite with the people, and 
such was his honesty, impartiality, and fidelity, 
that he was constantly discharging the duties 
of some important office in behalf of his fellow- 
townsmen. 

So of the Church. She committed to his care 
her highest official trusts, and well she might. 
In short, he was ever true to all the important 
interests committed to his hands, both in the 
Church and community. Ever esteemed in the 
Church, he also ever had a "good report 
among them that are without," and hence was 
"counted worthy of double honor." 

A great loss was sustained when Samuel S. 
Davenport died. His sickness was short, end- 
ing fatally on the ninth day, but he was ready. 
As death approached his natural timidity gave 
place to a calm, victorious faith. None could 
wish to die more peacefully than he. He died 



126 



Pillars in the Temple. 



in Nelson ville, Putnam County, N. Y. 5 February 
12, 1867. His pastor, Kev. Z. K Lewis, in 
writing of hitn, said : 

" As a Christian, he was modest and retiring, 
pure in his motives, very reliable and faithful to 
the last. He loved the Church while living, 
and did not forget her in death. He has per- 
petuated his own good name and usefulness on 
earth by leaving a liberal. bequest for the erection 
of a new church in the village where he was so 
long accustomed to worship:* His dying testi- 
mony was meekly uttered, but strong and joyful. 
He said to his pastor, "'I sought the Lord many 
years ago, when a boy, and I thank Gocl I have 
never deserted his cause. If my time to die is 
come I am ready; the Lord is with me to com- 
fort and sustain me," Thus passed away an 
honest and <xood man, after having; served God 
and his Church 'faithfully for thirty-eight years. 
" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." 

* The church has since been erected and dedicated to the 
worship of God. It is a fine large brick structure, standing 
on beautiful grounds overlooking the Hudson, West Point, and 
the surrounding country. It has a tall and well proportioned 
spire, and one of the most commodious Sunday-school rooms. 
It is a worthy monument to the memory of its noble founders. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



127 



Hon. JOSEPH A. WRIGHT. 
OYEEK" OR WRIGHT was born in Wash- 



1810, and removed with his parents to Indiana 
in 1818, when the country was an almost un- 
broken wilderness. His early years were passed 
upon a backwoods farm, and he was compelled 
to rely almost entirely upon his own exertions. 
His evenings were usually spent in the perusal 
of books, thus storing his mind with useful 
knowledge; at the same time he was earning 
his bread by the sweat of his brow. 

In 1829, at the age of nineteen, he had pre- 
pared himself to enter the legal profession, and 
was admitted to the bar. He removed to Rock- 
ville, and entered into the practice of law with 
General T. A. Howard, one of the ablest and 
purest public men in Indiana. Mr. Wright soon 
found himself in the midst of an excellent 
practice. In 1833 he was elected to the State 
Legislature, where he at once took a high posi- 
tion, and attracted attention by his qloquent and 
thorough-going support of various measures for 
the social improvement of the State. 

The first measure which he introduced into the 
Legislature, and upon which he made his first 




Pennsylvania, April 17, 



128 PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



speech, was a bill to allow each county in the 
State the privilege of sending a student free of 
charge to the State University, then but just 
established. Our young statesman was fortu- 
nate in his first effort. The bill became a law, 
and the policy of the State has not been changed 
to the present time, except that the law now 
allows each county to keep two students at the 
State University free of tuition. Not a few of 
the ablest men in the State have benefited by 
this measure introduced by Mr. Wright. 

In 1840 he was elected to the State Senate. 
In 1843 he was elected member of Congress. 
At the expiration of his congressional term, in 
1849, he was chosen Governor of the State. 
As an evidence of the confidence his fellow- 
citizens reposed in him, and of his personal pop- 
ularity notwithstanding the heat of political 
excitement and the strength of party drill, he 
ran largely ahead of his party ticket. However 
able a governor his opponent might have made, 
time proved that the public confidence was not 
misplaced in calling Mr. Wright to the chief 
magistracy of the State. Indiana has had 
no more useful citizen than Governor Wright. 
He impressed a salutary and abiding influence 
upon the institutions of the commonwealth. 
He ever gave a warm support to schemes for 
educational and agricultural improvement. He 
uniformly advocated economy in the public ex- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



129 



penditures, and a development of the resources 
of the State, and was active in repressing and 
putting down a spirit of lawless speculation at 
the expense of the credit and means of the 
State, which for awhile threatened to paralyze 
the State at home and her credit abroad. At the 
expiration of his term he was re-elected Governor 
of the State, again running largely ahead of his 
ticket, although his opponent was a gentleman 
of acknowledged ability and favorably known. 
At the expiration of his second term he retired 
to private life. But the term of his retirement 
was short. As a statesman who had already 
won a national reputation, and who was known 
to be one of the wisest and most conservative 
men of his party, the eyes of the country were 
upon him. And the Administration at "Washing- 
ton did itself and the country an honor by 
appointing him minister to a European Court, 
and intrusting him with a share in the foreign 
polity of our government. 

As Governor Wright began his political career 
by the advocacy of popular education, so he 
continued that advocacy without abatement. 

In his first message as Governor of the State 
to the General Assembly, December 6, 1849, we 
have the following language : " Another subject 
of primary importance is that of common schools. 
Men of intelligence can best and most safely 
exercise the sovereign prerogatives of the elective 



130 



Pillars ik the Temple. 



franchise, and to secure general intelligence 
among men they nmst begin to learn while they 
are children. 

" It seems to me, therefore, that we should 
consult every legitimate effort to accomplish 
this end, bestowing all the means at our com- 
mand to the promotion of this common good in 
the most expansive form ; that we should first 
endeavor to extend common' schools to every 
neighborhood, so far as may be done without 
the infliction of burdensome taxes upon the 
people, -while we leave the county seminaries 
and the higher institutions of learning to indi- 
vidual or associated enterprise, by which it is 
believed they will be best sustained." 

Governor Wright was a liberal contributor to 
the different colleges in the State, and especially 
to the Indiana Asbury University, of which 
institution he was an active trustee for most of 
the time from its establishment to the time of 
his appointment as Minister to the Court of 
Prussia. He was rarely absent from the meet- 
ings of the Board, aiding by his counsel in the 
management and investment of its funds ; and 
at the inauguration of Dr. Berry, as President 
of the University, July 16, 1850, he delivered 
the charge on behalf of the trustees. 

The following sentiments, taken from that 
address, will show his appreciation of the relig- 
ious element in connection with religious cul- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



131 



ture : u The doctrine of a special Providence 
should be taught in all our institutions — I mean 
that system of instruction that not only teaches 
that an unseen Eye watches and guards 
all the affairs of men and nations, but scans 
minutely the failing sparrow, the hairs of your 
head, and that spirit of reliance upon a special 
Providence that holds man accountable for every 
act. If Cicero could say in his day, £ If the gods 
observed not what is transpiring here below, what 
would become of religion and holiness, without 
which human life would be replete with trouble 
and confusion " — if such instruction was extorted 
from a heathen philosopher in his dark day by 
the evidence that surrounded him, how well 
does it become us in this day, with the evidence 
around us, as a nation and as individuals, of 
a special Providence that has kept and preserved 
us thus far, to proclaim this great truth in all 
places and to all men ! The mere dissemination 
of information is a small part of your duty. It 
is yours to train the youthful mind to be able 
to concentrate its whole forces upon any ques- 
tion that may be presented, to bring the mind 
to act vigorously, with thought, reflection, and 
discrimination, on any subject, and that by sys- 
' tern. When the young man leaves this institu- 
tion you hand him the keys of the store-house 
of knowledge, and you should qualify him to 
know the road and time that lie can apply for 



132 



Pillars in the Temple, 



supplies to aid on the journey of life. I know 
of but one method of exhibiting the greatness 
of the human intellect- — bat one road to tread, 
to show the powers a kind Providence has 
given to any man—and that is, to be able at all 
times to bring the full powers of his mind to 
bear upon any question or emergency that may 
arise." 

When Governor Wright reached the execu- 
tive chair a spirit of speculation, amounting 
almost to frenzy, had seized the mind of the 
masses, and the interests of the State demanded 
a man of his sound, practical sense, to save it 
from utter bankruptcy. Instead of fostering 
the visionary schemes which promised speedy 
wealth without much labor or merit, he pointed 
to the fireside of the homestead, to the fields 
and workshops of the laborer, and urged that 
by proper appliances, that which was dear to 
every citizen could be made better, higher, and 
more useful, and that simultaneous individual 
effort would result in one great common good. 
His influence led to the enactment of laws for 
the encouragement of agriculture, and the farm- 
er and mechanic were called to compare and 
exhibit their skill at fairs to be held in each 
county and at the State exhibition, where tests 
of skill in mechanic arts and agriculture should 
be annually made, arousing the energies of the 
State, which had before little to excite, and no 



Pillars in the Temple. 



133 



occasion to challenge, comparisons. His enthu- 
siasm and success gave a force to public opinion 
which soon overflowed the bounds of his own 
State, and several of the States caught the spirit 
with which he invested the subject, and he was 
solicited to deliver addresses in the older States 
of the Union at their anniversaries to exhibit 
and compare the results of iabor in the various 
departments of life. His address before the 
State Agricultural Society of X ew Tort, deliv- 
ered at the State Fair at Elmira, October 5, 
1S55, chiefly on the grasses of our country, has 
become a text-book on that subject. He was 
invited to be present at the trial of skill in sev- 
eral of the States, where the power of mechan- 
ical and. agricultural implements was to be 
tested, and was solicited from several of the 
States to send. the most skillful of our fellow- 
citizens to act on committees to determine the 
value of mechanic powers and agricultural im- 
provements upon which awards were to be made. 
He delivered frequent addresses to large assem- 
blies of his fellow-citizens in different parts of 
the State, by which means he not only infused 
into them a spirit of enterprise, but diffused 
among them a large amount of valuable infor- 
mation. 

An address delivered by him at Carmeltown, 
a thriving manufacturing town in Indiana, in 
1851, has been largely quoted by the leading 



134 



Pillars in the Temple. 



journals of the day, and is replete with valuable 
information and sound principles in political 
economy. He contended that the working mind 
of the country must settle from time to time 
the articles that are suitable for our soil and 
climate, what will yield the most, in what 
manner the soil should be cultivated, what 
should be the size* of farms, etc. His "kindly 
intercourse and visits to the executives of other 
States begot a spirit of fraternity between the 
States of our great national commonwealth. 

In 1850 Hon. J. J. Crittenden, then Govern- 
or of the State of Kentucky, paid a visit to 
Indianapolis, upon an invitation from Governor 
Wright, and was introduced by Governor Wright 
to a large concourse of citizens in the beautiful 
green in, the State-House yard. After paying 
a beautiful tribute to the family of Mr. Critten- 
den, whose father was a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion, and of the service they had rendered 
Indiana in her Indian wars, Governor Wright 
remarked : " But this reception to our distin- 
guished fellow-citizeii is peculiarly appropriate 
from another and higher consideration. This is 
a time of peace, and we are now enlarging our 
boundaries, extending our territories. Peace 
and prosperity is in our midst, and yet to some 
extent there is a dark cloud rising that threatens 
to destroy the peace and harmony of the Union. 
Our sister State of Kentucky, divided only from 



Pillars in the Temple. 



135 



ns by a noble river, differing from us somewhat 
in her municipal government, meets us to-day 
by her first officer, her favorite son, and says, in 
the language of her representative, 'Kentucky, 
under the auspices of an overruling Providence 
and the precepts of Washington, will be the 
last to leave the Union ! ? To that sentiment 
we respond: 'Indiana knows no geographical 
boundaries, and that we, the survivors of that 
day, and the sons and daughters of those who 
were brethren in arms in 1S12, and shared to- 
gether common dangers, are vet of one mind, 
one heart, and will share together a common 
destiny. The planets in their orbits are not 
more permanently fixed than are Kentucky and 
Indiana and the great West in their attachment 
to the Union ; and it is right, it is meet, it is 
proper, that at a time like this they should meet 
together and renew their covenants upon a com- 
mon altar. . . . We are told in ancient story, 
that the rope which formed the famous Gordian 
knot was so folded, and knit with many knots, 
and so wreathed one within another, that no 
man could perceive the manner of it, neither 
where the knots began nor where they ended. 
In like manner it may be said a thousand in- 
fluences combine to make us one and insepa- 
rable. We are bound together bv the strong 
ties of love, of honesty, and of patriotism. We 
are linked together bv religion, bv language, 



136 Pillars m the Temple. 



and by the ties of kindred ; by the memory of 
mutual trials; by the memory of mutual suffer- 
ings; by the memory of mutual triumphs ; and 
by the ten thousand cords and avenues of com- 
merce that bind together in one vast brotherhood 
the people of every climate, soil, and production 
of this Union. Our Union is a Gordian knot 
which no man nor sword can sever." 

In 1849 the General Assembly of Indiana 
authorized the procuring and forwarding to 
Washington a block of native marble, to be de- 
posited in the Washington Monument. In al- 
luding to this subject, in his message in 1850, 
Governor Wright said : 

" The General Assembly did not authorize 
any sentiment to be placed on the block. I 
took the liberty to have inscribed the following : 
£ Indiana knows no north, no south — nothing but 
the Union.' I did so because I believed, as I 
still believe, that the sentiment thus engraved 
in enduring marble was written also on the 
hearts of our people." 

Governor Wright made a profession of relig- 
ion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in his early manhood. His house was 
ever the home of true Christian hospitality. 
His social, moral, and religious practices, as 
well as professions, stood out pre-eminently; 
he was decided and efficient in each. He was 
also a zealous advocate and an earnest worker 



Pillars est the Temple. 



137 



in the cause of Sabbath-schools. When Gov- 
ernor of the State he regularly taught a Bible 
class in the Sunday-school, and when Minister 
at Berlin he had his Bible class in the mission 
school of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
During his last embassy to Berlin he took great 
interest in the building of a Methodist church, 
in which there might be preaching in the En- 
glish language, for the benefit of American resi- 
dents and visitors. To this enterprise he and 
his family gave their sympathy, their services, 
their money, and their influence. Since his 
death it has been consecrated to Divine service, 
and a beautiful marble tablet in it perpetuates 
his name and his love. 

He was a strong friend and advocate of the 
cause of temperance, and strictly adhered to its 
principles, whether in court circles or in private 
life. In 1863 Bishop Janes was present with 
him in Europe at a national dinner gotten up 
by Americans in honor of their national jubilee. 
On that public occasion, Governor Wright, true 
to his well-known principles, with goblet in 
hand, containing only pure cold water, drank 
the health of the King and the President. 

In 1857 he was appointed Minister to the 
Court of Berlin by President Buchanan. 

In 1862 he was appointed United States 
Senator to fill the unexpired term of an ex- 
pelled Senator. In 1863 he was appointed by 



138 Pillaks in the Temple. 

President Lincoln Commissioner to the Exhibi- 
tion. In 1866 President Johnson nominated 
him a second time Minister to Prussia. The 
Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination. 

While in the faithful discharge of the duties 
of his office his health failed, and finally, amid use- 
fulness and honor, he closed his brilliant career. 
During his long illness his religious experience 
was very rich. When the announcement was 
made to him that his disease might terminate 
fatally, he received the information calmly and 
with his accustomed fortitude. Referring to his 
spiritual state he said: U I am utter helpless- 
ness. I have no strength to subdue or conquer 
my own will in this great matter of life and 
death ; but I have an Almighty Saviour, and 
he is my advocate. In the Lord is my strength 
and righteousness. Jesus can give me the 
strength I need. He does not desire that I 
should climb this mountain, but will carry me 
up in his arms. 5 ' 

On the third Sabbath in January a few Chris- 
tian friends assembled in the room, and united 
with him in the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 
per. During the service he desired them to sing 
the hymn commencing, u Rock of Ages, cleft for 
me," and the one commencing, " Lord, I am 
thine, entirely thine." While they were singing, 

" Thy grace can full assistance lend, 
And on that grace I dare depend," 



Pillars in the Temple. 



139 



he looked up, beckoned his wife to him, and 
exclaimed, " He floods my soul with light and 
love." 44 The great transaction's done." " Jesus 
is mine, and I am his." From that time until 
his death he had no doubt o'f his salvation. 

An infidel friend was present at one time, 
conversing with him on the subject of Chris- 
tianity, and expressing to him his disbelief in 
the claims of Holy Scripture. The Governor, 
smiting upon his breast, said to him with great 
emotion, " I know I am right. I would not 
exchange tin's assurance I have of salvation in 
Jesus Christ for ten thousand worlds. Nothing 
can destroy my faith in God." 

To the young ministers who visited him he 
said, " Preach Christ, and only Christ," To 
Dr. Jacoby he said, "I am not excited; I am 
very quiet, but I am very happy. I have the 
full assurance of heaven and glory." Eev. Dr. 
Thompson, of New York, called on him and 
inquired how he felt in regard to a change of 
worlds. He replied, " I have no more fear 
than of going to my fathers house. I have no 
fear of death." At another time he said, " I 
feel that my union with Christ is complete. 
My faith fastens upon him as with hooks of 
steel" 

These are only a few of the remarkable utter- 
ances of this dying servant of God. When he 
awoke on the morning of his death he remarked 



110 



Pillars in the Temple. 



to his wife, "I feel better than I have done for 
a week ; I can spend the day on the balcony." 
Mrs. Wright led their morning prayers, in which 
she prayed to God to bless the means used for his 
recovery. He stopped her and said, " Pray, my 
dear, that God's will may be done." In the 
other petitions he joined responsively. As he 
was preparing to rise, and sat on the side of the 
bed, he said suddenly, " O, my dear wife, open 
the windows ; I am faint." She hastened to do 
so, and returning to him quickly, said, " My 
precious husband, speak to me once more ; tell 
me if Jesus is present now." But no response 
came from his lips. A look of mingled surprise 
and sweetness passed over his features, then a 
smile, then a look of rapture, and peacefully he 
passed away without a word, without a groan. 

He died rather suddenly but peacefully, in 
the city of Berlin, Prussia, May 11, 1867, aged 
fifty-seven. Such was the life and such the 
decease of our departed friend. 

Religions and civil services were held in his 
own residence in the city of Berlin. His funeral 
was attended by the diplomatic corps, and by 
the American residents ; and the simple and 
impressive " Order for the Burial of the Dead," 
contained in our Discipline, was read by Rev. 
Prof. Bennett, who chanced to be in Berlin. 
Dr. Jacoby preached his funeral sermon in 
German in our new church, The remains wero 



Pillars in the Temple. 



141 



deposited in the vault of the new State Church 
in Dorothaen Strasse, where they remained un- 
til brought to this country. 

There was also held- a civil meeting in Arnim's 
Hotel, which was largely attended, and at which 
Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, was present. 
A committee was appointed to report a minute 
for adoption by the meeting. In the absence 
of the committee, Governor Ourtin spoke in 
chaste, complimentary terms of the deceased, 
whom he claimed as his personal friend. The 
committee reported the following : 

" The Americans in the city of Berlin are 
drawn together by a mutual sympathy and a 
common sorrow at the. decease of the honored 
representative of the United States at the Court 
of Prussia. 

" The hopes and fears which during a pro- 
tracted illness have alternately cheered and 
distracted the hearts of family and friends, have 
found their solution. Hopes have been crushed, 
and fears have been painfully realized. With 
one gentle but ' signal blow' the fell destroyer, 
death, has severed the immortal from the mortal 
part, and the spirit of Joseph A.Wright has taken 
its flight from this to another and a better world. 

" With the simple yet impressive funeral rites 
of Monday fresh in our minds, we may not in- 
appropriately turn from the closing scene of his 
lite to some of its earlier incidents. 



142 Pillars in the Temple. 



" We find that, like oar Franklin, our .Clay, 
our Lincoln, our Douglas, and others of our dis- 
tinguished worthies, he also, without the aid 
of family influence or pecuniary means, simply 
through his own untiring energy, raised him- 
self by successive and rapid strides from a 
humble position to some of the highest and most 
responsible offices within the gift of the people 
and the government. 

" In early manhood admitted to the bar of 
Indiana, we find him a little later member of 
the Legislature ; then her representative in 
Congress ; then her highest executive officer ; 
and then American Minister at the Court of 
Berlin ; afterward a member of the Senate of 
the United States ; and finally, nominated by a 
President elected mainly by the votes of his 
earlier political opponents, and unanimously 
confirmed by Senators of all parties, we have 
found him again at his former post in Berlin, 
devoting his best and his last energies to the 
interests of his country, to the protection and 
welfare of his fellow-citizens, adopted as well as 
native born. 

" That he was able to discharge the duties of 
these several offices with credit to himself may 
be attributed to his active and superior intel- 
lect ; but his elevation to these high places was 
owing more to his persevering energy, and to 
his strict integrity and inflexible honesty. 



Pillars in the Temple, 143 



"Hereafter his life may be regarded as an- 
other of the numerous instructive and encour- 
aging examples we already have, as cumulative 
evidence of the fact that under the genial 
influences of our republican institutions it is 
possible for the youth of our land, by proper 
exertions, to elevate themselve sfrom any station 
in life to those of usefulness and honor. 

" Viewing him in the more retired walks of 
private life, and remembering his many Chris- 
tian virtues, and, above all, the inexhaustible 
goodness of his heart, we are painfully saddened 
by the reflection that here upon earth we shall 
hear the cheerful voice, we shall see the pleasant 
and expressive countenance, of our departed 
friend no more forever. 

u Fully conscious how difficult it is to offer 
words of consolation to those whose hearts 
bleed freshly over the loss of a near and dear 
relative, we yet respectfully tender to the 
afflicted family of the deceased our heartfelt 
sympathy with them in this the hour of their 
deepest anguish ; and we earnestly- commend 
them to the mercy and kindness of the good 
Being ' who tempers the wind to the shorn 
lamb.' 

6i Requesting the officers of this meeting to 
transmit a copy of this memorial to his be- 
reaved family, we ask of them the further 
favor that they communicate the same to the 



1U 



PlLLABS IN THE TEMPLE. 



numerous friends of our departed countryman, 
here as well as in America, through the press 
or otherwise, as they may deem fit and proper." 

Bishop Janes says, u His life of usefulness 
should serve as a meteor and guiding star 
to not only the sires, but the sons of the 
present and future generations. The high 
positions of honor, trust, and distinction 
which he held were held with an unspotted 
reputation : and no impurities of these high posi- 
tions left a stain on the beauty, simplicity, and 
piety of a character that retained these distin- 
guished traits through all the trials, troubles, 
and temptations of a busy political life to this, 
its Christian close. 

" Previous to his illness he purchased a lot in 
our beautiful Greenwood as a place of inter- 
ment for himself and family; and our last office 
of love is, with devotion, and loving and Chris- 
tian remembrance, to carry out this his pleasure 
concerning his remains by interring them in 
that place. It is a further duty we owe to him 
and to ourselves to cherish his remembrance, to 
profit by his example, to follow him in his 
Christian life, and to aspire after that glory into 
which we believe he has already entered. We 
feel our loss. We feel bereaved, and yet we 
cannot but magnify the grace of God in him. 
4 An honest man's the noblest work of God ; ' 
, ' a true Christian the richest trophy of the cross 



Pillars in the Temple. 



145 



of Christ ; a glorified saint the greatest wonder 
of the universe. May God give us grace to 
attain that same beatitude, and enjoy with him 
forever the felicity of heaven, and render 
homage, adoration, praise, and thanksgiving 
unto his God and our God for ever and ever. 5 ' 

Mrs. Wright arriving in New York with the 
body of her husband, the funeral obsequies 
over the remains of the Hon. Joseph A. Wright, 
late United States Minister at Berlin, Prussia, 
were observed on Thursday afternoon, August 
22, at St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, 
New York. Mrs. Wright, the children of the 
deceased, and numerous family friends, were 
present. The coffin was placed in the center 
of the chancel, covered with a large United 
States flag, on which were laid a floral crown 
and wreaths. The pall-bearers, occupying seats 
on either side of the coffin, were Major-General 
Yodges, Major-General Butterfield, M. C. Mor- 
gan, Esq., Austin Baldwin, Esq., J. B. Cornell, 
Esq., Daniel Drew, Esq., W. B. Skidmore, 
Esq., D. L. Ross, Esq., Oliver Hoyt, Esq., 
A. V. Stout, Esq., and J. D. Lanier, Esq. 
The lid of the coffin bore the inscription, 
" Joseph A. Wright, born April 17, 1810; 
died May 11, 1867, at Berlin, Prussia, aged 
fifty-seven years." 

Bishop Janes, and Drs. Durbin, M'Clintoek, 
Foster, and Holdich, occupied seats in the 
10 



U6 



Pillars in the Temple. 



pulpit, together with the pall-bearers, and all 
wore the emblems of mourning. After an 
opening anthem by the choir, the first Scrip- 
ture lesson was read by Kev. E. L. Janes, Dr. 
Foster led in an impressive - prayer, and Dr. 
Hpldich read the second Scripture lesson. Dur- 
ing the preliminary services Dr. M'CIintock 
read the following letter, received from Hon. 
William EL Seward, Secretary of State, and 
dated "Washington. D. C, August 19. It was 
addressed to Messrs. Daniel Drew, Oliver Hoyt, 
Austin Baldwin, and D. L. Boss, the com- 
mittee having the supervision of the funeral 
seiwices : 

" I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter inviting the President and Secre- 
tary of State to attend the funeral of Joseph 
A. Wright, late United States Minister Pleni- 
potentiary to his Majesty the King of Prussia. 
The President directs me to express his pro- 
found sympathy with the friends of the de- 
ceased on the occasion of the great loss which 
not only they, but the whole country, have sus- 
tained by the death of that distinguished and 
excellent man. It is the President's desire, as 
well as my own. that we may be able to accept 
your kind invitation. I will advise you later 
by telegraph." 

The memorial address was delivered by Bishop 
Janes. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



147 



At the close of the Bishop's remarks. Dr. 
Durbin, Corresponding Secretary of the Mis- 
sionary Society, made a brief and pertinent 
address, specially referring to the religious life 
and influence of Governor Wright. He stated 
that during last summer, when traveling in 
Denmark, Xorway, Switzerland, and Germany, 
he was struck by the widespread fame, as a 
Christian gentleman, which Governor Wright 
enjoyed. His position as United States Min- 
ister- at Berlin, the heart of Germany, gave his 
opinions a prominence that, while exerting un- 
bounded influence by force of such high exam- 
ple, should compel us to revere his memory. 

After singing, the services, which were solemn 
and deeply interesting throughout, were closed 
with the benediction by Dr. M'Clintock. 

Governor Wright was a man of intelligence, 
energy, self-reliance, and perseverance. His 
success in life abundantly proves this. As a 
friend he was affectionate, sincere, generous, 
and constant. These characteristics attached 
his friends to him with corresponding fervor 
and fidelity. He was a true philanthropist. 
He sympathized in all the interests of human- 
ity. Both in public and private life human 
want and woe ever found a ready response in 
his heart, and, as far as possible, relief from his 
hand. He was a patriot. He loved his coun- 
try. In all the offices he held in the State and 



U8 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



National Governments he earnestly and honestly 
sought the public good. He was incapable of 
bribery. When Governor a company offered 
him a bribe of $50,000 if he would give his 
official sanction to a certain railroad grant. He 
indignantly spurned the bribe and those who 
offered it. In his last sickness he said ? " If I 
thank God for any thing it is that I never re- 
ceived a bribe or did violence to my conscien- 
tious convictions of duty in any public position." 
This genuine philanthropy, this manifested in- 
terest in the people, and this sterling integrity, 
were among the principal elements of his long- 
continued popularity. 

The active and prominent part which he 
took in the Evangelical Conference at Berlin 
showed that his interest in religion had not 
abated by his going abroad. He gave the 
whole weight of his personal and official in- 
fluence in that conference to the cause of evan- 
gelical religion throughout the world. 

Neither did his interest in the State of his 
adoption and his early home diminish by his 
residence abroad. In a letter from Berlin un- 
der date of December 11, 1858, among other 
valuable things, he states the following : " It is 
my conviction, often expressed before, and 
strengthened by my experience abroad, that 
the hope of perpetuating our institutions and 
giving heed to all of our diversified and con- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



149 



flieting interests, rests upon the adoption of 
such a system of State legislation as shall tend 
more and more to the development of the inter- 
nal and national resources of the several mem- 
bers of our happy Union, It should be the 
policy of our State to make more at home and 
buy less abroad." 

Governor Wright was thoroughly American 
in his views and feelings, He advocated pro- 
tection to American citizens returning to the 
land of their birth in Europe, and he is reported 
to have said to a friend on the subject, "I feel 
degraded to see the ruler of some petty princi- 
pality in Europe about the size of a Hoosier's 
corn-field, whose revenue is derived from some 
gambling establishment, calling in question and 
setting aside the broad seal of the Republic. 5 ' 
Intellectual power, firmness, a love for the 
truth, and deep and earnest human sympathies, 
were among the prominent traits in his charac- 
ter. In youth an earnest student, next a lawyer 
at the bar, a member of the State Legislature, 
member of the National Congress, twice Gov- 
ernor of the State, head of the Agricultural 
Department, and finally United States Minister 
to the Court of Berlin. 

Governor Wright was three times married. 
In early life he wedded Miss Louisa Cook, of 
Montezuma, Indiana, by whom he had one son. 
Rev. F. C. Holliday says : " I had the pleasure 



150 



Pillars in the Temple. 



of several years' acquaintance with her, and 
always found her a spiritually-minded, intelli- 
gent, enterprising Christian lady ; and I have 
no doubt that Governor Wright owed much of 
the strength of his religious principles and 
habits to the gentle but powerful influence of 
the wife of his youth." His second wife, Miss 
Hattie Burbridge, daughter of General Bur- 
bridge, of Paris, Kentucky, was also an excel- 
lent woman, and a worthy companion of this 
great and good man, She lived but eleven 
months after marriage, leaving twin children. 
On the 11th of October, 1863, Mr. Wright was 
united in marriage to Mrs. Caroline P. Deuel, of 
New York, Bishop Janes and Drs. Newman and 
Ridgaway officiating. She is one of the most 
highly-honored, women of the Church. She lias 
been connected with the Ladies' Home Mission- 
ary Society from its organization ; while the 
Five Points Mission may be said to owe its ex- 
istence largely to her efforts. She accompanied 
her husband in his last mission to a Foreign 
Court, was his ministering angel in his final sick- 
ness, listened to his dying testimony, and accom- 
panied his lifeless form across the Atlantic to 
the land of his fathers. 

Mr. Wright's remains lie in "Greenwood," 
where his widow has erected an appropriate 
monument to his memory. He rests from his 
labors and his works do follow him. 



Pillars in the Temple. 151 



STEPHEN B. WICKENS. 

STEPHEN B. WICKENS was born in Eye, 
England, May 1, 1811, of Methodist parents. 
He came to this country with them in 1829, tak- 
ing up their residence in this city, where they 
joined Vestry-street Church. His father was an 
original abolitionist, and, being a man of posi- 
tive convictions, he made no secret of his views, 
though at that time such a confession was not 
altogether convenient. The son inherited his 
father's opinion ; but his quiet manner saved 
him the odium that otherwise he could not at 
one time have escaped. From a child he was 
thoughtful and serious ; and the strictness of 
moral conduct and outward religious observ- 
ances taught him in childhood and youth, was 
never forsaken. Yet he did not make a public 
profession of religion till 1839, when he united 
with the Vestry-street Church, then under the 
pastoral care of Rev. Charles A. Davis. About 
the same time he was first employed at the 
Methodist Book Concern, where he contin- 
ued, with only one brief exception, till called 
away by his last short illness, filling chiefly the 
positions of proof-reader and assistant editor of 
the " Christian Advocate." In the latter rela- 



152 



Pillars ix the Temple, 



tion lie served under Drs. Bond, Peek, Thom- 
son, raid Curry : and we believe that he not only 
gave satisfaction in his work, but also commanded 
the respect of all of his principals. As a proof- 
reader he had few equals ; and man y a writer 
has been indebted to him for the correction of 
his syntax, or the suggestion of a n # eeded emen- 
dation of his language, and especially for cor- 
rectness of facts of history and biography. 
- His knowledge of Methodist literature, espe- 
cially the biographies of ministers, British as 
well as American, was very full and accurate. 
He also devoted much attention to Methodist 
hymnology, and was thoroughly versed in Wes- 
leyan and post-WesIeyan Methodistic poetry. 
But his learning was not confined to these sub- 
jects, but embraced the whole range of English 
literature. His mind was, indeed, a repertory of 
facts, a thinking commonplace book. His learn- 
ing was truly encyclopedia! " Often,'* sa;rs Dr. 
Curry, "have we turned to him in the office, or 
gone away to the proof-readers' room, to be 
posted as to some historical fact which else 
would have cost us a search in the cyclopedia ; 
and seldom have we failed to obtain the infor- 
mation sought." 

He was married in May, 1851, to Miss Sarah 
Barnum, then a resident of Philadelphia, who 
survives him. He was a brother-in-law to the 
jate Prof. Bragdon, and to Rev. F. S. Barnum 



Pillars m the Temple. 



153 



of the Isew York Conference. His Christian 
life and character were without reproach. He 
filled at different times the offices of trustee and 
steward, but his diffidence made him persist- 
ingly refuse to act as a class-leader, an office for 
which he seemed to be especially qualified. 

He was author of a number of useful works — 
an abridged " Life of "Watson," an original and 
really learned "Life .of Bunyan," "Fulfillment 
of Prophecy," chiefly after Keith, " Sunday- 
School Manual ;" and, besides these, a large num- 
ber of other books received his editorial super- 
vision. He was not a genius, nor in the highest 
sense of the word a scholar ; but he was learned in 
all the departments with which he was occupied, 
and turned his acquirements to good account. 

" His decease," says Dr. Curry, " leaves a 
vacancy in our little circle of the Advocate 
office, of which he had become a recognized 
feature. We shall miss him in many things, 
and never, when reminded of him by his ab- 
sence, shall we fail to remember him as one of 
the few men whom we have known, and yet 
have never detected in a folly or a fault. That 
he had the common infirmities of humanity we 
very well know ; nor need it be concealed that 
he had his own peculiarities of mind and tem- 
per ; but very few men leave so clean a record. 
If truth, honor, and integrity are the properties 
that should command our reverence, then is 



154. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



the memory of Stephen B. Wickens worthy of 
veneration. He lived well, he died well ; he 
has left a good name among men ; and we do 
not doubt as to his present state, or his eternal 
reward in the life that is to come." 

Some two hours before his death he asked 
for the time of day, and being answered, re- 
quested pencil and paper, and wrote in a scarce- 
ly legible hand : " It is now noon of May 11, 
and I am dying, without fear, or dread, or pain. 
As the outward man faileth, the inward is re- 
newed day by day." "With this glorious testi- 
mony he departed this life in peace, May 11, 
1867, aged fifty-six years. 



JOHN SUDLOW. 

JOHN SUDLOW was born in County Ar- 
magh, Ireland, July 9, 1801. When about 
nine years of age he came to this city, where, by 
his genial nature and sound business and Chris- 
tian character, he won for himself a prominent 
place and' name in the circles of business and 
religious life. In his nineteenth year he was 
awakened under a sermon preached in the Allen- 
gtreet Methodist Episcopal Church from the text, 
" Ye must be born again." About six months 
after he was happily and soundly converted in a 



Pillars in the Temple. 155 



class-meeting held in a private house in Brooine- 
street. He soon after united with the Willett- 
street Methodist Episcopal Church, where he 
remained until the organization of a mission 
which resulted in the Second-street Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He was a member of its 
first Board of Trustees, and at the time of his 
death was President of the board. For thirty- 
five years he was identified with this Church, 
and to her his toils and prayers were given 
until life's latest hour. At the time of his 
death he was one of the committee to make ar- 
rangements for a reunion of former pastors and 
members, and was looking forward to this serv- 
ice with great pleasure ; but, instead of a re- 
union with the scattered members of the family 
on earth, it was his to rejoin the many who now 
dwell in the land of fadeless light. 

At the early age of twenty-three our brother 
was appointed a class-leader. Faithfully, and 
with almost unequaled success, did he fill this 
office in the Church. His sympathetic spirit, 
knowledge of human nature, readiness and apt- 
ness in advising and. instructing, kind, yet 
faithful admonitions, and, above all, his heart- 
felt Christian experience, made him a superior 
leader. He was an intelligent Christian man, 
able to give an answer to every man that asked, 
a reason for the hope that was in him. As 
an exhort er he often made most happy and 



156 



Pillars en the Temple. 



effective use of his memory-stored Scripture 
treasures. 

He was a prominent member of the New 
York praying band (Samuel Halsted, leader) 
from its organization. He was also at the time 
of his decease president of the Camp-Meeting 
Association. In his social relations he was a 
good example of the Christian : always cheerful ; 
ever ready to whisper words of admonition or 
encouragement ; overflowing with sympathy to 
the distressed ; so that it may be said of him 
that lie went about doing good. In all his do- 
mestic relations he was much beloved. The 
light of the home is departed. 

Soon after his death the Board of Trustees 
and the Quarterly Conference of the Second- 
street Methodist Episcopal Church convened, 
and passed resolutions showing their very high 
appreciation of him, and their deep sympathy 
for his family. They were published in the 
"Christian Advocate "and "Methodist." 

The New York General Prayer Meeting 
Association paid the following tribute to his 
memory : 

" Whereas it has pleased our heavenly Father 
to remove suddenly from the cares and troubles 
of this life to his immortal home our beloved 
Brother John Sudlow, Vice-President of our 
Association ; and 

" Whereas, by his genial nature, uniform 



Pillars m the Temple, 157 



courtesy, ready and ripe judgment, unblemished 
Christian character, and long and faithful service, 
he had greatly endeared himself to us ; therefore, 

" Resolved, 1. That while we would bow in 
humble submission to the will of Him 6 who 
doeth all things well,' and while we sorrow not 
as those who have no hope, nevertheless Ave do 
most deeply deplore our loss. 

"2. That by the sudden death of our dear 
brother we are admonished to be also ready ; and 
we here pledge ourselves that, as another link is 
severed from the fraternal chain that bound us 
together, we will be more strongly cemented in 
the ties of Christian friendship. 

" 3. That our Association has lost a long-tried 
friend, a wise counselor, a most earnest and 
efficient workman, a man the memory of whose 
many excellences will be as ' ointment poured 
forth.' 

"4. That we deeply sympathize with his be- 
reaved family, and especially his companion, 
with whom he walked in sweet companionship 
for so many years. 

" 5, That a copy of these resolutions, signed 
by the officers of the Association, be presented 
to Mrs, Sudlow, and the same be published in 
the ' Christian Advocate 3 and < Methodist.' 

" Schukeman Halsted, President. 
"Samuel Halsted, Leader. 
" Daniel W. Price, Secretary" 



158 



Pillars ik the Temple. 



The following is the action of the New York 
Camp-Meeting Association : 

" Whereas, in the inscrutable providence of 
God, our beloved brother John Sudlow has 
been suddenly removed from us by death, 
therefore, 

" Resolved, 1. That this Association has lost a 
valuable and highly-esteemed member, and for 
several years an efficient co-worker in the cause 
of Christ and of camp-meetings. As we bow in 
submission to this afflictive dispensation, there 
is confident hope that through faith in Jesus 
Christ, and a Christian walk and conversation 
of more than forty-four years, he has gone to 
his glorious reward. 

u 2. That by the sudden manner of his decease 
we are strongly reminded of the indispensable 
necessity of being prepared to die whenever 
God shall call us. Let us do life's great work 
while the day lasts. 

" 3. That we, the surviving trustees of the 
Js"ew York Camp-Meeting Association of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, most deeply sym- 
pathize with the widow, children, and numerous 
relatives and friends of our deceased brother, 
praying that they all may be made more earnest 
Christians by the lesson of this sad providence. 

u 4. That more than ever we will strive to 
conduct the camp-ineetings held by this Asso- 
ciation so as to be the means of salvation to 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



159 



multitudes yet, as they have been to thousands 
now living, besides a great throng who, with 
our brother, are now on the other shore. 

" 5. That a copy of these resolutions, signed 
by the committee, be furnished to the family of 
the deceased, and to the ' Christian Advocate ' 
and 'Methodist ' for publication. 

" Unanimously adopted, October 23, 1867. 

" E. H. Brown, 
. " C. H. Applegate, 
" J. Sammis, Committee" 

These four sets of resolutions were beautifully 
engrossed and framed, and presented to his 
widow, and now adorn the parlor walls of her 
pleasant home in Seventh-street, where he had 
lived so long. 

As a leader he was greatly beloved by his 
class, and was the recipient of many tokens of 
their love and esteem. At one time, on his re- 
turn, after a season of absence in the country, 
he was greatly surprised by his class in, the pres- 
entation of a large and beautiful photographic 
album, containing their likenesses. His friend, 
David W. Price, made an appropriate presenta- 
tion speech. The leader's reply was tender and 
affecting, clearly demonstrating that their names 
were engraven indelibly on his heart. 

A few years before his death, when Bishop 
Janes had closed a series of lectures to the class- 



160 PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 

leaders of New York, it was proposed by them 
to present the bishop with some suitable testi- 
monial of their esteem for him, and their appre- 
ciation of his labors. 

John Sudlow was appointed to supervise the 
affair, and make the presentation speech. The 
enterprise was committed to the right man, and 
was conducted in a most creditable manner. A 
gold watch was selected, beautifully engraved ; 
and the presentation speech, in the. old Allen- 
street Church, in the presence of a large and 
appreciative audience, in behalf of the class- 
leaders of New York city, was most creditable 
to his head and heart, and every way worthy of 
the circumstances and the occasion. 

As a class-leader he excelled. It was after 
much solicitation that he consented to accept 
of the appointment at all. But he seemed to 
comprehend the importance of the office, and 
the qualifications necessary to fill it usefully. 
He at length attained to such distinction that 
Bishop Janes wrote to him for an account of his 
experience as a leader. 

The following is an extract from his answer 
to Bishop Janes's letter : 

" I was called to the office of leader early in 
life, and shortly after I became a member of 
the Church. When the subject was first 
broached to me I could not believe my brethren 
were in earnest, but was inclined to pass it off 



Pillars is the Temple. 161 



as a joke. But those whom the preacher sent 
to me were members of the class, and they as- 
sured me that they were truly in earnest. When 
I discovered that they were sincere. I told them 
I could not indulge the thought for a moment. 
' I am young in years and young in Christian 
experience. I can hardly walk straight as a 
Christian man. and seem to be but tottering 
along. And under such circumstances I cannot 
consent, against my judgment and sense of pro- 
priety, to do any such thing.' So my brethren 
left me, and I supposed that was the end of it. 
After my brethren left I was quite amused at 
the idea of such a man as I consenting to be a 
class-leader. Here. I said to myself, are the men 
who prayed for me before I was a member, and 
while I was seeking the Lord. They are mem- 
bers of the class ; they are men of age and deep 
experience ; they have kindly cared for me. 
Since I joined this class they have given me 
counsel, they lent me their books, and tried to 
help me on in the good way, and now for me 
to stand up and be their leader — the idea is pre- 
posterous ! But I think I shall not hear any 
more about it ; they will see their folly. All 
was quiet for a few days. But next comes the 
preacher with a pleasant face and a sweet 
i How do you do, my dear brother I The 
brethren say they called on you, and requested 
that you should become their leader, and thev 

11 



162 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE, 



say that you don't think yon ought to do that. 
Well, I think men ought to be allowed to judge 
for themselves on such serious business* and I 
would not press you to take the class, although 
it is my opinion, and the opinion of the whole 
Official Board, that you should ; and now I have 
come simply to request you to take the book 
and lead the class as well as you can until we 
shall have time to reflect and look about, and 
fix on one who shall be leader.-' Of course I 
was abashed in the presence of a preacher, and 
said, 6 If that is all, I cheerfully comply. 5 So I 
took the book, and the preacher left, and I began 
to reflect. ; O,' I thought, 1 what a simple man I 
was to consent to take the book at all ! I can't 
lead class ; I have tried a few times, and I know 
I can't do it. Why cli'd I consent to try at 
all ? There are plenty of men in that class 
who can do it better than I can. I am sorry I 
took the book, or consented to have any thing to 
do with it ; but I said I would, so I will do as 
well as I can. 5 The class met the same evening. 
I was there at the time, but could not muster 
courage to open the class. So I called on one 
of the brethren to sing and pray, and I engaged 
heartily in prayer myself, and we read and 
sang. 

"I began to feel that the Lord was helping 
me, and I would try to be a man. So I worked 
through that evening and felt well in my heart, 



Pillars in the Temple. 



163 



but was very much dissatisfied with my per- 
formance, but finally concluded, 'Well, it is 
none of my seeking ; they have brought this 
upon themselves, so let them bear it until they 
can do better.' So I began to read more ear- 
nestly, and pray, as it seemed to me, more suc- 
cessfully ; but I was poor, and had to work for 
a livelihood, and had very little time for men- 
tal culture. But I took some from my sleeping 
hours, and when I got a new idea, or committed 
to memory a passage of Scripture, I felt rich. 
I kept on reading and praying as I could find 
opportunity for about six weeks, when I began 
to complain that the preacher was so tardy in 
finding us a leader. 

" One evening I was doing the best I could in 
leading class, and endeavored to quote a passage 
of Scripture for each member in their turn, when 
I blundered in one of my quotations, and made 
some mistake. One of my old brethren, dear 
good old brother, thought he would sharpen me 
up a little, and said, £ l\o man should undertake 
to quote Scripture unless he can do it correctly,' 
and sat clown. I said, ' My dear brother, you have 
ever been dear to me. Ton prayed for me at 
the altar. God has answered your prayers, and 
converted a good many of us, and now what a 
pleasure it must be to you to see us, your chil- 
dren, converted in answer to -your prayers, and 
to hear us lisping God's praise, though we do it 



164 



Pillars in the Temple. 



imperfectly! and you may be sure it is a com- 
fort to us boys to know we have fathers who 
can put us straight when we go astray." 

From the foregoing extract it is apparent 
that John Sudlow, as a leader, studied to show 
himself approved unto God— " a workman that 
needeth not to be ashamed." 

A writer in the " Sentinel " says : " Where 
there is a will there is a way." If any are dis- 
posed to question the truthfulness of this maxim 
because in some cases the will of man seems 
impotent in opposing circumstances which lie 
beyond human control , let them patiently await 
the result and they will find that success gener- 
ally crowns the action of inflexible determination. 

A voyage of great length on the mighty 
ocean can be successfully effected despite the 
contrary winds and raging storms. Explora- 
tions in the Polar regions have been made, 
where the intense cold, the almost illimitable 
fields of ice, and the absence of day for months 
in succession, appeared as obstacles too great to 
admit the hope of success. 

Many persons are unsuccessful in their pur- 
suits, and instead of rising they fall; while 
others with no more favorable • circumstances, 
often with less, by the force of their own wills 
press on and gain the prize. In a long obser- 
vation of men we' find only a few exceptions, 
and these but prove the rule. 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 165 



Among those usually called self-made men 
no case occurs to us in which such have not dis- 
played a strong will. They have fixed their 
eye upon their object, and thus have resolutely 
persevered in the way of obtaining it. Like 
General Grant they have said, " I will fight it 
out on this line." 

Such a person was John Sudlow. In early 
boyhood he began a life of toil at almost the 
lowest round in the ladder of human pro- 
gress. As manhood dawned upon him, with- 
out the aid of the wealthy and influential, and 
with scarcely any culture, he selected for him- 
self a business full of toil, and one that gave 
promise of no great remuneration. Indeed, his 
choice was in part a necessity, as at that time 
nothing more promising offered. 

While a youth he embraced religion, and 
with a* will he commenced life in the right way. 
He united with a Christian Church, and soon, 
by his devoted living, and in the use of those 
gifts bestowed upon him for the good and edifi- 
cation of others, he became an object of interest 
to those with whom he was honorably associated. 
The young man became an officer in the Church ; 
he loved singing, and his singing inspired others ; 
in prayer and exhortation he soon excelled, and 
throughout his life he sustained the reputation of 
being one of the most able and interesting class- 
leaders. 



166 



Pillars in the Temple. 



He was most fortunate in his choice of a com- 
panion. She, being the daughter of a clergy- 
raan, and truly pious, constituted a most worthy 
helpmeet for him amid the trials and duties of 
life. 

Through long years of labor he pressed on his 
way, never slack in the performance of duty, but 
establishing himself in those habits of industry, 
economy, and charity which go to make up the 
strong man. Ever hospitable and generous, he 
exerted a good influence in the Church at large, 
as well as in the immediate circles where he 
moved. 

He was careful to speak evil of no man. 
" He illustrated the important lesson taught by 
the Saviour, 6 Whatsoever ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them.' In 
his life, character, and success every young man 
may find great encouragement. Provjdence 
helped him because he helped himself. He left a 
large family in a respectable position in society." 

Pie was remarkable for the power he exercised 
over his temper and passions. One who had 
resided in the family, and known him intimate- 
ly for forty years, said that during that whole 
time she never knew him ruffled in the least 
in temper. He was always cheerful, mild, and 
pleasant. 

He possessed remarkable skill in reaching the 
hearts of the impenitent, and leading them to 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



167 



Christ. Many of his kindred and personal 
friends were saved through his instrumentality. 
His crown will not be starless. Among others 
whom, under God, he saved, was his own moth- 
er, when her sun had declined far toward its 
setting. 

He gave " attention to reading," and kept 
his mind stored with interesting facts and inci- 
dents of a religious character, in the use of 
which he possessed remarkable skill. The facil- 
ity with which he drew from this storehouse for 
illustrations gave a freshness to all his exercises, 
whether leading a class, conducting a prayer- 
meeting, or addressing an audience. 

He was emphatically a self-made man, and 
by his energy of character kept pace with the 
march of mind and the progress of the age. 
He was endowed w r ith the gift of prayer and 
exhortation in a high degree. Under his prayers 
and powerful appeals, large assemblies have 
been seen to weep and tremble, while saints 
have shouted for joy, and sinners have exclaimed, 
" Men and brethren, what must we do to be 
saved?" 

His departure was sudden. He died of heart 
disease in Kingston, 1ST. Y., at the house of his 
brother-in-law. Rev. David Buck, October 14, 
1867, aged sixty-six. He left home on Satur- 
day, October 12, in company with his wife, in 
his usual health. On Sabbath he attended 



168 



Pillars m the Temple. 



preaching both morning and evening. He also 
attended an experience 4 meeting in the after- 
noon. At the close of the evening sermon he 
went into the altar, and after singing a few 
verses of a familiar hymn he delivered his last 
exhortation. It was deeply interesting, and a 
fitting close to one of the most exemplary and 
useful lives. Among other things he said, " I 
want so to live that my wife, who knows me 
best, may be able to say, ' He is a Christian.' " 
On Monday morning he rose about five o'clock 
to take an early train for New York, and while 
dressing himself fell senseless at the feet of his 
wife, and in an instant was no more among 
the earthly. But "the memory of the just is 
blessed. 5 ' 



JAMES B. OAKLEY. 

JAMES B. OAKLEY was born in Shrub 
Oak, Westchester County, N. Y.f May 28th, 
1787. His father died when he ;was about 
ten years of age, leaving his mother with the 
responsible charge of four children,, of whom 
James was the eldest; consequently upon him 
the loss fell with the greatest weight. His 
mother was a woman of deep piety, sound judg- 
ment} and great energy of character, and was 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 169 



universally esteemed by her neighbors as a 
woman of superior excellence. 

She was among the first Methodists of that 
community, where Methodism was so early 
planted. Her house was the constant stopping 
place of the preachers, and was always provided 
with a " prophet's room while her eldest son, 
as he often stated in after life, led their horses to 
a comfortable stall for rest and fodder. James 
generally accompanied his pious mother to the 
quarterly meetings, and also assisted her to pro- 
vide entertainment for her numerous guests, 
sometimes numbering as many as forty or fifty 
on their quarterly meeting occasions. Thus in 
very early life he learned to love the pious, and 
delighted to serve the servants of the Saviour ; 
a duty which he faithfully practiced to the clay 
of his death, as hundreds can testify. At the 
age of seventeen he removed to the city of New 
York, and resided in the family of his uncle, 
John H. Oakley, an active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Soon after coming to this city he was awak- 
ened under the preaching of EeV. Seth Crowel, 
in the old Forsyth-street Church, and imme- 
diately commenced seeking, and soon found, a 
clear witness of his acceptance with God. He 
at once united with the Duane-street Church, 
and thenceforth gave his prayers, his labors, and 
his means for its advancement, 



iro 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



On September 17, 1809, lie was united in 

marriage to Miss Jane Sanclford, and they 
walked together "blameless" before the Lord 
for nearly sixty years. In his wife he ever 
found a sympathizing and confiding friend, 
a companion in his toils, and a sharer in his 
joys; one ever ready to help "carry his sor- 
rows and bear his griefs." The price of such' a 
wife is more precious than "gold, yea, than 
much fine gold." Of such a one it may be said, 
" Her husband is known in the gates when he 
sitteth among the elders of the land." "'Her 
children rise up and call her blessed." 

About the time of his marriage he was 
elected, together with his associate, Abraham 
Russell, of precious memory, to represent the 
Duane-street Church in the Board of Trustees, 
which at that time had charge of all the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Churches in the city. He filled 
this office for more than half a century, and for 
more than twenty-five years was the president 
of the Board, which office he filled with fidelity. 

About 1809 he was appointed leader, which 
office he filled with great acceptance and use- 
fulness, until failing health compelled him to 
resign. 

When the parent Missionary Society was 
organized he was elected one of its managers, 
and was re-elected annually till death, always 
attending their meetings if possible. The fol- 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



171 



lowing notice was taken of his services and 
character at the annual meeting of the Board 
just subsequent to his death : 

" Mr. James B. Oakley departed this life in the 
month of November, 1S67. At the first annual 
meeting of the Missionary Society of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, April 17, 1820, Brother 
Oakley was then one of its managers, having 
been so elected at the time of its organization. 
April 5, 1819, in the Forsyth-street Church. 
Of that first class of managers Mr. William B. 
Skidmore is the sole surviving member. These 
brethren were true yoke-fellows from the be- 
ginning. Of the officers of the Board there is 
but one single survivor, Mr. Daniel Ayers, the 
same loving friend of Christ and missions we 
have known him to be for nearly fifty years." 

The Missionary Board caused to be entered 
upon their records the following minute : 

"Resolved, That we cherish with gratitude 
to God a lively remembrance of the Christian 
example of our departed brother. Distinguished 
through life bv strict integrity and unusual gen- 
tleness, he filled the positions of public trust to 
which he was called by the Church with honor, 
and enjoyed, as he deserved, the esteem of all 
with whom he mingled in private and social 
relations. Lovingly commanding his house- 
hold after him in hearty, generous sympathy 
with the institutions, usages, and enterprises of 



172 



Pillars in the Temple. 



our Church, he was emphatically given to bos 
pitality, and for more than half a century the 
friends of the Saviour, and especially Christian 
ministers, found a cordial welcome in his cheer- 
ful home." 

Whatever office he was called to fill in the 
Church, whether trustee, steward, leader, or 
Sunday-school superintendent, he was faithful 
and useful. His home was, as had been his 
mother's before him, the home of Methodism 
and the home of Methodist preachers, his love 
for the Church and its ministry continuing till 
death. His pastors were always honored by 
him, whatever their defects ; he always refusing 
to listen to any thing concerning them which 
would have injured their influence. He had 
much of that charity which "thinketh no evil," 
rarely naming the faults of others in their 
absence. 

When the New York Prayer-Meeting Asso- 
ciation was organized under the leadership of 
his beloved and faithful friend, Samuel Halsted, 
he considered it a great privilege to have his 
name enrolled among its members, though un- 
able to attend many of their meetings : the 
members of the " Band " were very dear to him. 
In his family he was not only kind, but tenderly 
affectionate; the companion and friend of his 
children and grandchildren, extending to them, 
in their trouble a father's warmest sympathy 



Pillars in the Temple. 173 



and love ; and in return he was affectionately 
beloved of the entire circle. 

In the midst of the trials of old age and dis- 
ease his piety shone with increasing luster. The 
most valuable Christian character is not the ec- 
centric genius who dazzles for a moment, like a 
shooting meteor, and then turns to darkness, but 
the uniform, well-proportioned character which, 
though it dazzles not, shines on from day to 
day, and from night to night, like one of the 
fixed stars, which even a little child knows 
where to find, and how to steer his homeward 
course by its light. Such a guiding star was 
the life and character of the late James B. 
Oakley. 

Viewing our subject from a business stand- 
point, his Christian character stands out in full, 
and beautiful proportions. As a business man he 
was prompt, diligent, and reliable ; too kindly 
considerate of others, however, to be " sharp " in 
making a bargain. He was a dealer in flour all 
his business life. Such was his experience and 
fidelity that in 1842 or 1843 he was appointed 
one of the eight general inspectors of flour and 
grain in the city of New York. This office he 
filled until the infirmities of age obliged him to 
resign. In 1853 he was chosen to award the 
premiums in this department at the Worlds' 
Fair. Not making haste to be rich, he proved 
* the truth of the proverb, " He that gathereth 



174 Pillars in the Temple. 



by labor shall increase," and in a quiet old age 
he enjoyed abundantly the fruits of his industry, 
prudence, and moderation. 

His faith in God, his cheerful submission to 
his will, his great patience during months and 
years of weariness and helplessness, rendered 
him a light and blessing to the entire house- 
hold. 

The Bible was his constant companion as long 
as he was able to read, or listen to its truths. Dur- 
ing his months of weariness nothing cheered 
him so much as to behold the faces of Christian 
friends, and to converse with them concerning 
religion and heaven. Who can tell the value 
of a friendly Christian call upon the aged and 
the afflicted ! Our Saviour must have estimated 
such visits when he said, " I was sick, and ye 
visited me." 

Father Oakley ever had a deep sense of his 
own unworthiness, but his unshaken trust in 
the atonement of Christ gave him constant peace. 

One day, as he seemed a little cast' down, his 
daughter said to him, "Father, I should think 
it would be a great comfort to you to look back 
and feel that you have spent your wdiole life 
in the service of God." 

He said, " Yes ! but my services have not 
amounted to much; I am so unworthy;" and 
then added, with tears, "J do not know what I 
should do without Jesus." 



Pillars in the Temple. 



175 



"I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me," 

said the dying "Wesley ; such, too, was J. B. 
Oakley's estimate of himself. 

At one time, when he seemed weary, a chair 
was placed for him that he might change his 
position, with the remark, " Can you not rest 
on this ? " Looking up he said earnestly, " Don't 
you know that I am resting on Jesus ? " 

One evening after he had retired his daugh- 
ter, who had watched over him with unceasing 
fidelity and affection, 'said, " Father, can't you 
say something to me? " (meaning that she desired 
his counsel ;) he said slowly and with much feel- 
ing, " Put your trust in the Lord ; live for God 
every day and every-where. He will preserve you 
and take care of you amid all the trials of life." 

He was able to conduct family prayer until 
within a few weeks of his departure ; and after 
he was confined to his room he would frequently 
engage audibly in devotions, generally closing 
with the Lord's prayer. 

Often during the silent hours of night his 
voice was heard in earnest communings with 
his heavenly Father. 

For months previous to his decease all fear 
of death was taken away, and Jie had a u desire 
to depart and be with Christ, which is far bet- 
ter," rejoicing grea'fly in the prospect of meet- 
ing his friends in heaven. 



176 



Pillars in the Temple. 



On Sabbath morning, November 24, 1867, be 
arose, and was dressed as usual, though very 
feeble ; while seated comfortably in his chair, 
the silver cord was gently loosed by an unseen 
hand. He said to his companion, who sat by his 
side, " I feel very weak." She reminded him 
that God had always been their helper, and 
would not leave them in trial. Raising his 
hands to heaven he said, " O Lord, give me 
strength! " and soon he " was not, for God took 
him." Kind friends perceiving a change in him 
laid him tenderly on the bed • he folded his arms, 
gently closed his eyes, and in a few moments 
it was found that the spirit had escaped from its 
prison and entered into rest. 

" A holy quiet reigned around. 

A calm which lite nor death destroys; 
And naught disturbs that peace profound. 

Which his unfettered soul enjoys." 

The life and death of our beloved father fur- 
nishes an important lesson to the Church of 
which he was so long time a devoted member. 
Let us follow him as he followed Christ. 

His numerous friends are admonished of the 
importance and excellence of a life devoted to 
God. May they heed the admonition, and meet 
him in heaven ! 

The widow and family are rich and happy in 
having had such a husband and such a father, 



Pillars in the Temple. 



and in being permitted hereafter to reflect 
upon such a pure and lovely Christian exam- 
ple. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the 
upright, for the end of that man is peace." 

" Servant of G-od, well done ; 

Thy glorious warfare's past ; 
The battle's fought, the race is won, 

And thou art crowned at last," * 



GILBERT B, HAKT, 

GILBERT B. HART was born in Yorktown, 
Westchester County, N. Y., May 30, 1815, 
At the early age of nine years he was de- 
prived by death of the much-needed counsel, 
protection, and guidance of a kind, loving Chris- 
tian father. 

From this time the culture of his mind and 
formation of his character devolved upon his 
mother. She was by birthright a Quaker, yet 
in early life, through the influence of a pious 
Methodist lady, became convinced of sin, was 
converted, and united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, Possessing more than ordinary 

* On Sunday, December 8, 1867, a memorial service was 
held in the Duane Church, on which occasion an excellent and 
highly appropriate sermon was preached by Rev. T. B. Smith, 
from Psalm xxxvii. 37, This sermon furnished us important 
aid in the preparation of the. foregoing narrative. 



178 



Pillars in the Temple. 



natural abilities, and combining in her character 
the Christian graces in an eminent degree, she 
appeared in the family, in the Church, and before 
the world, an almost faultless model, worthy of 
imitation by all whose good fortune it was to 
enjoy her acquaintance. She lived to a good 
old age, and died in great peace, full of blessing 
and honor. 

Being eminently qualified both by nature and* 
grace, she faithfully applied herself to the task 
of rearing her rising charge for the Church and 
for God. O, the inestimable blessing of such 
a mother ! 

Under such influences the subject of this 
memoir (as might be expected) gave his heart 
early to God. He said, " My mother's God shall 
be my God, and her people shall be my people." 

At the age of thirteen, influenced by his 
mother's counsels and the piety of his young 
sister Rachel, Gilbert was led to feel a strong 
desire to become a Christian. Just at dusk one 
evening, as his mother and sister were returning 
home from a visit to one of the neighbors, they 
heard an unusual noise coming from a retired 
place. It was the voice of prayer. 

Gilbert, with several of his young compan- 
ions, had gathered there, and, kneeling upon the 
ground beneath the evening sky, were earnestly 
engaged in pleading with God for mercy. So 
loud were their cries of distress that the neigh- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



179 



jbors were alarmed, lest some calamity had 
happened. They hastened to the place, and, 
ascertaining the cause, soon gathered the pray- 
ing group of penitent children in the house, and 
continued the prayer-meeting, when five, in- 
cluding the subject of this sketch, were happily 
converted. Three of the number have entered 
their eternal rest ; the other two are still active 
members of the Church of Christ. 

As little Gilbert was highly favored in his 
parental and home influences, he was also favored 
in his early companionships and neighborhood 
associations. The goodness and usefulness of 
his manhood were attributable, doubtless, in a 
large degree, to the fact that his boyhood days 
were spent, not amid the demoralizing influences 
of city life, but amid the sober, virtuous, and 
pious settlers who had chosen their residence 
among the green hills and fertile valleys, silvery 
lakes and crystal streams, of Westchester County. 
O how many great and good men will thank 
God in eternity that their home, during the 
forming stage of their character, was in the 
beautiful country ! 

For a brief period during his youth he was 
occupied as teacher in the House of Refuge in 
the city of New York, under the superintendence 
of Pev. D. Terry. But preferring the country, 
with its charms and attractions, to the crowded 
city, with its fascinations and allurements, he 



130 



Pillars in the Temple, 



selected the village of Peekskill, on the Hudson , 
but a few miles from his native town, as the 
place where he purposed to live$ and toil, 
and die. 

Having attained his majority, he engaged in 
business as a lumber merchant, which business 
he followed with characteristic zeal and marked 
success for more than thirty years. 

On the 6th day of October, 1841, he was 
united in matrimony to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, 
of Vermont, a ' young lady combining in her 
character both natural and acquired abilities in. 
a high degree, thus constituting her an excellent 
helpmate, and one of the best of companions. 

Endowed with a native quickness of percep- 
tion, and of sound, discriminating judgment and 
uncompromising integrity, he readily secured 
the fullest confidence of the business community. 
Having an aptitude for business, which he fol- 
lowed with remarkable promptness, energy, and 
perseverance, he succeeded in accumulating con- 
siderable wealth. 

Having now acquired a sound business repu- 
tation, he was also deemed worthy to hold sev- 
eral important offices of trust in the community. 
He was much interested in and identified with 
the educational and banking interests of the vil- 
lage. He was also a strong friend of and ear- 
nest worker in the cause of temperance. It was 
through liis instrumentality, in a large degree, 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



181 



that the Tillage Temperance Society was organ- 
ized, and he was honored by being unanimously 
elected its first President. 

When the ew York Conference Temperance 
Society was organized in 1865 5 Gilbert B. Hart, 
was elected Treasurer. 

The following shows the esteem in which he 
was held by the friends of another important 
organization : 

" Whereas, in the providence of God our be- 
loved brother, Gilbert B. Hart, the unflinching 
temperance man, zealous and self-sacrificing 
Sabbath-school superintendent, and from the 
early age of thirteen the consistent and faithful 
Christian, has been called away by death, 
therefore, 

"Resolved, That, mingling our tears with 
those of his bereaved family, we hereby tender 
them our Christian sympathy and hearty condo- 
lence in view of the irreparable loss they have 
sustained — feeling admonished that what we 
have to do we must do quickly, and hoping that 
when our labors are ended we may present a 
record approximating to his, of unswerving 
fidelity to all the interests of religion, and that 
our sick-room, like his, may be but the pleasant 
waiting- place for the Masters welcome. 

" By order of Peekskill Division, 2v~o, 53, 
Sons of Temperance." 

It was, however, in his Church and domestic 



182 PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



relations that his character shone with its bright- 
est luster. He joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in his native town at the age of thirteen, 
and on removing to Peekskill connected him- 
self with the First Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in communion with which he lived and died. 
As his business character grew, and became 
beautiful and commanding in the community, 
so, likewise, as years rolled on, his Christian 
character gradually unfolded, and became strong, 
beautiful, and conspicuous in the Church of 
God. Gilbert B. Hart was truly " a tower of 
strength " in the Church to which he belonged, 
a u pillar in the temple of God." His life was 
one of self-denial, sacrifice, and devotion to 
all her interests. He was intrusted with the 
offices of leader, steward, and trustee through a 
long term of years ; and was only relieved from 
these responsibilities by sickness and death. He 
did not look to office for honor and influence, 
but he brought honor and influence to it. He 
used those offices well, and " was counted worthy 
of double honor." His pastor has truly said, 
that for " more than a quarter of a century the 
Church recognized in him a devout worshiper, 
a discreet office-bearer, and a benevolent pat- 
*ron.* The ministers of Christ ever found him 

* But a few mouths before his death, when attending the 
services connected with the laying of the corner-stone of the 
new Methodist Episcopal Church in his uative place, as the call 



Pillars 'est the Temple. 183 



a safe counselor, a zealous co-worker, and a 
true friend.' 5 

Being a good disciplinarian, and apt to teach, 
he was chosen superintendent of the Sunday- 
school of his Church, an office which he filled 
with great acceptance, and to which he was 
duly elected for twenty-eight consecutive years. 
This office, like others which he filled, was only 
vacated by the stroke of death. Of his efficiency 
in the position his pastor, Kev. S. I. Ferguson, 
has well said, " In this department of Christian 
labor he was eminently successful. Under his 
supervision, punctuality, order, and energy 
seemed stamped on every thing connected with 
the school. Hundreds instructed there have 
been converted to God, many of whom became 
active laborers in the Master's vineyard ; while 
many others, like their superintendent, "rest 
from their labors and their works do follow 
them." 

He was a true man, never vacillating, and 
was looked upon as one of the main supporters of 
the Church, and one of the chief men of the town. 
If he sometimes appeared rigid, he was not 

was made for contributions, he arose, and standing erect, pale 
and corpse-like in appearance, raised his arm, and with trem- 
bling ringer pointing through the window to the grave-yard ad-^ 
joining, said, " I shall soon be sleeping there, but I must work 
while the day lasts. Put me down $500." At the dedication 
of the same Church his bereaved widow gave a liberal memorial 
offering to the memory of her late husband. 



184 



Pillars in the Temple. 



austere. Yet a stern regard to principle always 
characterized bis words and acts. He was 
cheerful, but not frivolous ; hopeful, but never 
visionary. 

But there is one other sphere in which we 
may view the subject of this sketch with inter- 
est and profit. I refer to his domestic and 
social relations. . In these he was peculiarly 
happy, guiding his household with all fidelity 
and gentleness ; guarding assiduously every 
avenue of approaching evil. Vice never dared 
to cross his threshold. In his hallowed home 
sinful amusements found no fellowship. Its 
moral atmosphere was always pure, and from 
its sacred altars grateful incense daily ascended, 
and came up before God as a sweet memorial. 

In his home, intelligence, piety, and purity 
reigned supreme. " Given to hospitality, his 
was a home where pains were divided and 
pleasures were divided." "He and his house 
served the Lord." He fell asleep December 1, 
1867. To his sorrowing companion he has left 
the beautiful example of a devoted husband 
and a ripe Christian. He has ascended, but 
his mantle rests upon his two youthful sons, 
w T ho are striving to follow him as he followed 
Christ. He was literally faithful until death. 
He turned his feeble steps to the house of 
God and the Sunday-school long after his breth- 
ren felt he was too feeble to be there. He led 



Fillers in t the Teatple. 



1S5 



the devotions of the family until almost the 
close of life. 

As his Christian life was active and pure, so 
his death was peaceful and triumphant. Just 
as life was closing his eye brightened while he 
exclaimed, " Such peace as I enjoy is wonder- 
ful ! " His dying words were, " Jesus is precious, 
O how precious ! " So lived and died our much 
esteemed and dearly beloved friend and brother, 
Gilbert B. Hart. " Let me die the death of the 
righteous, and let my last end be like his." 

On the Sabbath before his funeral, his Sun- 
day-school gathered in their accustomed place in 
the house of God, and then formed in procession 
and slowly marched to his beautiful residence 
that overlooks the Hudson, passed up the terraced 
walks through his pleasant grounds, and, filing 
through the spacious halls and parlors, with 
tearful eye and sorrowing heart teachers and 
scholars one by one took their last view of their 
dear superintendent, and bade him their last 
affectionate farewell, 



186 



PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 



AMASA DAJSTA. 

JUDGE DAXA was bom in Wilkesbarre, 
Pa,, where he continued to reside until he 
removed to Owego. Here he entered the law 
office of his uncle, completed his studies, and 
entered upon the practice of his profession. 

In the year 1821 he removed to Ithaca, where 
he became permanently located, and where his 
long and useful life ended. His conceded 
ability as a lawyer, and close application , soon 
won for him a high position in his profession. 
He was comparatively a young man when called 
to the office of District Attorney of Tompkins 
County, and soon after the expiration of his 
term of office he was made Judge of the same 
County. His profession, according to the ordi- 
nary practice in this country, brought him into 
the political field, where he soon became a recog- 
nized leader, and was esteemed worthy of 
official station and public trusts. He was a 
member of our State Legislature for three 
sessions, and while serving in this capacity his 
official life was characterized by such marked 
wisdom and moral integrity that his fellow- 
citizens selected him as their representative in 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 187 



the Congress of the United States for two terms. 
In this highly honorable and responsible posi- 
tion he was true to his constituents, and loyal 
to his country. . He was always a true-hearted 
patriot, and in the late sanguinary struggle with 
treason, though crowned with years, he was 
active and devoted in fostering and maintaining 
the government of his fathers, and the principles 
of human freedom and equality. 

His religious life began in the year 1826. He 
was converted during a time of revival, and 
soon became a member of the Aurora-street 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Ithaca. Some 
remain among us who well remember his es- 
pousal to Christ. Of these we may mention 
his brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. Fitch Reed, of the 
Oneida Conference.* Brother Dana became at 
once an active, working Christian. He was 
almost immediately called to official position in 
the Church, which he continued to serve in (lif- 
erent official relations during his subsequent 
life. He was successively a leader, Sunday- 
school superintendent, trustee, steward, and for 
some years a licensed local preacher. It was 
seldom that he officiated as a minister, but 
whenever he did, he was both impressive and 
instructive. The Church and congregation were 
always glad to hear the word from his lips, 

* Dr. Reed died in Ithaca, October 10, 1871, since the above 
was prepared. 



188 Pillars m the Temple. 



either read or spoken. As a leader he excelled. 
Devoted himself, as his heart was in full sym- 
pathy with the cause of his Divine Master, he 
ever had for his class words of comfort and 
instruction.* He gave to the Church his influ- 
ence, time, and talent. He gave also his means, 
feeling that he was a steward under God, and 
that his money was to be consecrated to the 
Lord as well as his services. 

His religious life was eminently pure, cheer- 
ful, child-like, and satisfying. He was a hopeful, 
genial, growing Christian. His character was 
developed gradually and beautifully, and when 
rounded to the full " he was not, for God took 
him." 

On Sunday, December 22, 1867, he was in his 
place during morning service in the church. 
At the close he met his class, as it proved, for 
the last time. During class he seemed to be in 
sweet and holy communion with God. His 
testimony was, " I feel that I am growing in 
grace. Glory be to God ! glory be to God ! " 
The afternoon and evening were spent with his 
family. During these hours, the memory of 
which is now grateful and precious to the be- 
reaved widow and niece, who, with himself, 
composed the family circle, he seemed to enjoy 
an unusual flow of spirits. In conversation he 
was remarkably cheerful and entertaining until 
about nine o'clock in the evening, when the 



Pillars ix the Temple. 1S9 



blow fell, and he was stricken with apoplexy, 
which resulted in death on Monday at about 
midnight. During the day on Monday he par- 
tially revived so far as to be able to recognize 
his friends, and especially his wife, with whom 
he briefly conversed. Slight hopes were enter- 
tained that he might be spared, but these soon 
faded as he relapsed, and in a few hours he 
passed to the company of the redeemed. He 
died in Ithaca, Dec. 23, 18(57, aged seventy- 
five. 

* The death of Judge Dana is a public loss. 
He was one of our best and purest citizens, 
and prominently connected with the financial 
and other interests of the community in which 
he resided. He was, and for some time had 
been, the President of the Tompkins County 
National Bank, and was held in high esteem by 
the officers of the bank and board of directors. 
But death, 6 the last enemy/ has invaded the 
home circle, the Church, and the walks of 
busy life, taking from us one we honored, loved, 
and revered. 

;, In the removal of the departed the Church 
has sustained an irreparable loss. "We know 
not how to fill his place. We try to trust in 
God, and hope that though the i workmen die 
the work will go on. 3 In this spirit we bow to 
the inexorable decree, and, looking to the great 
Head of the Church, through our tears sav. 



190 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE, 



6 Thy will be clone.' May the mantle of Brother 
Dana fall upon his brethren, and may we at last 
meet him in the home of the glorified ! 55 

Upon his beloved partner, with whom he had 
lived in sweetest sympathy for over forty years, 
the blow fell with almost crushing effect. But 
grace triumphed, and she was able to feel and 
say in the deep solitude of her troubled spirit, 
u Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy 
sight. 55 

It is cause of gratitude to God that the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church has given to places of 
trust, both in the Church and the State, so many 
great and good men — men who have been true 
to their trust and true to their God. The name 
of Amasa Dana was a tower of strength, and is 
as fragrant as the u spices in the garden of the 
Lord." 



ANDREW HANFORD. 

A KDREW HAKFORD was bom in New 
XX Canaan, Conn., July 23, 1789. At four 
years old he was removed with his parents to 
Greenfield, Saratoga County, N. T. When he 
was thirteen years old he lost his mother by 
death. He soon after returned to Connecticut, 
and was apprenticed to a silversmith and jeweler 



Pillars in the Tehple. 



191 



at Newtown. In 1811 he removed to Peekskill 
and engaged in the business to which he had 
been bred, and there he remained, pursuing the 

" J- o 

same calling* till, through advancing years, he 
was incapacitated for further labors ; and there 
his diligence in business was blessed with its 
appropriate reward, a moderate competence. 
His religious history dates from the year 1814. 
At that time Eben Smith was preacher in 
charge of Cortlandt circuit, which included the 
Church at Peekskill, a bi-weekly appointment 
for Sabbath afternoons and evenings. Mr. 
Hanford's awakening was most thorough, and 
his convictions of sin deep and pungent. While 
earnestly seeking for pardon and converting 
grace his views of his own un worthiness were 
so vivid and humiliating that he esteemed him- 
self quite unworthy to be received by the 
Church even on trial, though he gladly accepted 
the privilege to meet in class and to attend other 
social meetings of the Church. Unknown to 
himself his name was enrolled as a probationer, 
and six months later he was surprised at a love- 
feast at hearing himself, among others, " read 
in " to full connection in the Church. In after- 
years he used to say playfully that he had never 
joined the Church, but was joined to it by the 
minister. 

As his convictions for sin were deep, so his 
conversion, though not sudden, was thorough, 



192 Pillars in the Temple. 



and his religious life earnest and decided. He 
steadily and openly professed Christ before all 
men, and he soon came to be known by all, es- 
pecially, as a thorough Christian. The profane, 
no less than the godly, recognized him as a 
truly religious man, and in many particulars a 
representative Christian. He was often called 
to the bedside of . the sick and dying, and the 
awakened ones of his vicinity sought him out 
as one able to declare to them the way of 
salvation. 

His brethren in the Church recognized and 
honored his earnest Christian devotion, and in- 
trusted to him the various offices of the Church. 
He served the Church as a trustee during most 
of his life-time after his conversion. He was a 
steward twenty years, and a class-leader thirty 
years. In the latter office he came to be known 
to most of the community, and many a doubt- 
ing and troubled conscience sought and found 
relief in his counsels. He was also for many 
years a licensed exhorter, an office that was by 
no means a merely nominal affair with him. 
While yet the services of the circuit preachers 
were confined to only a part of each alternate 
Sabbath, it usually devolved upon him to bear 
the chief responsibility in keeping up the serv- 
ices at other times. He was also accustomed to 
hold meetings at night in the out-of-the-way 
neighborhoods of the vicinity daring the week 



Pillars in the Temple. 



193 



time. In this way it was his privilege to carry 
the Gospel to not a few who otherwise would 
not have heard the call to Christ and his 
salvation. 

During the fifty-four years of his connection 
with the Church he saw Methodism in Peekskill 
advance from a small class, holding their public 
services in a rude building constructed from a 
stable, to two . well-established Churches and 
congregations worshiping in large and com- 
modious edifices; and if, as has been said, 
Methodism is the form of religion most com- 
monly recognized in that place, that fact is in 
no small degree the result of the steady and 
earnest devotion of this good man. His case 
affords a noticeable example of the power of an 
even-spun religious life to exercise a potent 
influence for good in the community, and to 
secure a good name to its subject even in the 
absence of wealth, learning, and distinguished 
parts and superior social position. He lived 
among his neighbors a plain, honest, and devoted 
Christian, at once diligent in business and fer- 
vent in spirit, and as such, men took knowledge 
of him and honored him. 

The last few years of his life were spent in 
quiet retirement from the cares of business, and 
calmly waiting for his expected change. Hav- 
ing been deprived by death of his companion, 
with whom he had lived for nearly fifty years, 

13 



194 



Pillars ix the Temple. 



he felt that this world was no longer his home ; 
and he was accustomed to say to his friends, 
when his health was inquired after, that though 
well in bodv he was very home-sick ; yet was he 
cheerful and hopeful. He continued fco appre- 
ciate the exercises of religion to the last, and 
until only a few weeks before his decease his 
seat in the sanctuary was seldom vacant. Age 
stole upon him gently, and he at last fell asleep 
in the faith of the Gospel. He has gone home. 
He died at Peekskill, X. Y. 5 August 5. 1869, 
having just completed his seventy-ninth year. 



JONATHAN HALL. 

JONATHAN HALL was born February 28, 
J ITSdk in the town of Newcastle. Westchester 
County, X. T. His parents were both deeply 
pious, and members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church when in its infancy in this country, 
and when such as composed it were frequently 
called to suffer persecution, and to have their 
names cast out as evil. For many years there 
remained upon his father's farm the rock upon 
which the eloquent and sainted TThitefield had 
stood and preached to the multitudes who came 
to listen to the Gospel of reconciliation. 

Here in his father's house the early itiner- 



Pillars ra the Temple. 



195 



ants found a welcome home, where they rested 
on their long and wearisome journeys, and their 
regular monthly visits were- anticipated with 
much pleasure. * From early childhood Jona- 
than was daily accustomed to hear at the family 
altar this petition offered up : " O Lord, bless 
my children and children's children to the third 
and fourth generation."' That prayer has been 
literally answered in the salvation of his imme- 
diate descendants to the third and fourth genera- 
tion, one (Rev. George Hall) being now a very 
efficient member of the New York East Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Surrounded thus early in life by such asso- 
ciations, it is not astonishing that at fifteen years 
of age Jonathan sought and experienced the re- 
newing and comforting influences of divine grace. 
And having "remembered his Creator in the 
days of his youth." he continued with unabated- 
vigor to the close of a long life to devote him- 
self to his service. Soon after his conversion 
he- united himself with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and during his after-life held the sev- 
eral offices, and faithfully discharged the duties, 
of class-leader, steward, trustee, and exhorter. 
He was class-leader for over fifty years, and* 
held that office at the time of his death. As a 
man and a citizen Brother Hall was always 
kind, and strictly honest and upright in all his 
dealings, and for many years discharged the 



196 



Pillars in the Temple. 



duties of civil magistrate with great fidelity in 
his native town. His religion was not a pro- 
fession merely, but was decidedly active and 
practical in its results. For oVer half a century 
he exemplified the power of Christianity in his 
every-day life, and in all that time did not once 
grow weary in well-doing. His communion 
with God was deep and constant, and in public 
his prayers were often powerful in their effects. 
He was a Methodist in principle and practice. 
Plainness of speech and dress he always admired 
and practiced. Some twenty-one years ago 
he removed to Xew York city, and united by 
letter with the Jane-street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, where he remained till called to join 
the Church triumphant. Here he manifested the 
same untiring zeal and activity as had character- 
ized his religious life elsewhere. 

Though not permitted to attend the public 
means of grace for some time previous to his 
death, yet his love for the prosperity of Zion 
continued, and among his last expressions were 
ardent desires for the salvation of souls. About 
a week before his death he became partially par- 
alyzed, told his friends he should not recover 
from it, and pleasantly remarked to his physi- 
cian that "it was not worth while to try to 
mend up the old frame, as it was al3out worn 
out." Prayer was offered by his bedside, to 
which he audibly responded " Amen.' 3 Soon 



PlLLAEi IB THE TEMPLE. 



197 



after, be became unconscious. His breathing, 
at first heavy, became more easy, until at last, 
bis work being done, " the weary wheels of life 
stood still," and his freed and happy spirit 
entered into rest. 

He died in Xew York city, September 9, 186S, 
aged eighty-four. The character of Brother 
Hall may be summed up in a few words. In 
his sentiments he was clear and evangelical ; in 
his temper gentle, cheerful, and serene ; in his 
conduct consistent, irreproachable, and exem- 
plary. As a husband he was kind and good, as 
a father tender and affectionate, and as a Chris- 
tian simple, circumspect; and diligent. May his 
surviving children and descendants, and all who 
read this slight tribute to his memory, follow 
him as he followed Christ ! 



SCHUREMAN HALSTED, 

QOHUREMAN HALSTED was born in the 
O town of Rye, Westchester County, X. Y., 
in 1S05, where the family name is pre-eminent 
in the history of Methodism, for his parents, 
brothers, etc., were among the earliest and most 
energetic supporters of the denomination there 
and in all the neighboring country. His son, 
G. C. Halsted. Esq., says : 



19S 



Pillars in the Temple. 



" The first fourteen years of my father's life 
were spent on the farm of Ids father, Ezekiel 
Halsted, in Eye, Westchester County, N". T. His 
parents were devotedly attached to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and their home was a 
favorite resort of the itinerant. He acted as 
clerk for an older brother in the city of JSTew 
York, and afterward formed .a copartnership 
with his brother Samuel, which continued over 
twenty years. He embraced religion when 
about sixteen years of age. My earliest recol- 
lections of him are associated with his labors as 
superintendent of the Allen-street Sunday- 
school, which at that time was very large. It 
is my impression that he was among the first to 
introduce the celebration of Christmas-day by 
sunday-school exercises in the church. He 
composed nearly all the addresses, dialogues, 
and Bible-class recitations for his school, and 
gave weeks to the task of training the children. 
Mrs. Phebe Palmer, then just becoming known 
as a poetess, usually contributed the hymns." 

About the time of his conversion, he in the 
providence of God became acquainted with the 
family of Gilbert Coutaut, then and for many 
years a leading citizen and prominent member 
of the Bowery Tillage (now Seventh-street) 
Church. His marriage to Alethea, one of the 
daughters, proved a most happy one, his com- 
panion being fully in accord with his religious 



Pillars m the Temple. 199 



views, and thoroughly devoted to him and the 
work of training the large family of children 
confided to their care. 

The great revival at Allen -street occurred 
about this time, (1832,) and brought into that 
Church many valuable and strong men, who 
during many following years labored together 
with great zeal and efficiency. His son says : 
" Nearly every evening was given to some form 
of Church work. But however pressed by 
public affairs, my father never neglected family 
duties. Morning and evening worship was 
never omitted, and was conducted with due 
solemnity." 

He was firm but kind in the management of 
his household, and uncommonly uniform and 
cheerful in temper. His religion was of a 
joyous and active type. His children loved, 
respected, and trusted him, and, like many others 
who sought his advice, always found him a wise 
and safe counselor. 

The prayer-meeting and class-room were his 
delight, and he was eminently happy and success- 
ful in bringing men to Christ, and building up 
those placed in his care. Nothing was ever per- 
mitted to keep him from his class. He was a 
good singer, and employed with great propriety 
and readiness the familiar hymns of our collec- 
tion. He had a very tender heart, and rarely 
spoke without feeling and warmth. 



200 Pillars in the Temple. 



He gave much attention to the temporalities 
of the Church. While acting as treasurer dur- 
ing a long term of years he bore not only the 
usual burdens of the office, but was quick to 
devise plans and foremost to execute them. 

Secular affairs, outside of his own business, 
occupied much of his time. He was executor 
for several estates, and a trustee and director 
of several corporations, and was never content 
with a mere nominal discharge of his duties. 
He was also quite* active in political life, and 
although frequently solicited to accept office 
never consented until appointed by the Legisla- 
ture as one of the Ten Governors (now called 
Commissioners) of Public Charities and Correc- 
tion. This was a position which called into 
action the best qualities of his head and heart, 
and he enjoy e*d it, although it involved a great 
sacrifice of time and money. He had the satis- 
faction of seeing great changes effected and 
grievous abuses removed in their management 
of the public institutions. Here, as elsewhere, 
he won the respect and confidence of his asso- 
ciates, and retained their friendship to the end 
of his days. He was not afraid to declare and 
stand by his convictions. Once when pressed 
by a company of politicians to join in drinking 
a toast he raised a glass of water, and said, 
u When sinners entice thee, consent thou not." 
Of a hospitable and sociable turn, his preference 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 201 

was to entertain at his table and fireside the 
servants of Christ, and his children remember 
with delight the visits of some of these genial 
brethren with their cheerful faces, warm hearts, 
and entertaining conversation. 

Nearly twenty years before his death he 
retired from mercantile business, and for a few 
years acted as president of the Broadway Insur- 
ance Company, which he had organized. Upon 
removing to Orient a, a lovely spot' near the 
waters of the Sound, he resigned that position. 

He had previously had a heavy burden in the 
shape of the Mariners' Church in Cherry-street, 
of which he was treasurer. By personal appeals 
to merchants and others he accomplished much 
for that enterprise. He soon found a new ob- 
ject for philanthropic endeavor. The Old 
Ladies' Home was deeply in debt. With his 
brother Samuel he labored with the public in its 
behalf, until it was placed on a sound financial 
basis. They collected eleven thousand dollars. 

His life in the country was an exceedingly 
happy one. He had no idle home. His early 
rural training made him feel at home in whatever 
his hand found to do. His family was large, 
but a united and harmonious one. Here in the 
society of his devoted wife, who by her prudent 
management had relieved him of many domestic 
cares, and surrounded by his children and grand- 
children, he spent the evening of his busy life, 



202 Pillars m the Temple. 



not wholly exempt from care, but yet full of 
gladness and serenity. He did much for the 
Mainaroneck Church, and greatly aided the 
various pastors in their pastoral work. His 
visits from house to house, even when with a 
subscription list in his hand, were productive 
of great spiritual good. 

While here he greatly enlarged his sphere of 
usefulness by means of the " Praying Band " 
formed by himself, his brother Samuel, and a 
few kindred spirits. .Nearly every Sabbath 
during each winter was given to this con- 
genial work, so that his last day*s were among 
the best and happiest, though by no means the 
least laborious, of his career. During this 
period he was connected with the Missionary 
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church as a 
manager. The following extract is taken from 
their annual Report : 

" Schureman Halsted, in Christ about fifty 
years, departed to be with Christ on Monday, 
October 5, 1868. Our recollection of this 
brother runs back to the time when the dew of 
his youth w^as upon him. He was ruddy and 
fair to look upon ; was then a clerk in a mer- 
cantile establishment, and warm in his first 
love. Through all the forty-six years of per- 
sonal knowledge that have followed we have not 
known his 'hope decline or love grow cold.' 
Brother Halsted was one of the managers of the 



Pillars in the Temple. 



203 



Missionary Society as early as 1828, and has 
been steady in his devotion and service through 
the long period of forty years. Of the officers 
and managers elected with him, forty-two in 
number, but two survive, both of whom still 
sustain the relation of managers. We attribute 
his unusual zeal, love, and persistence in the 
cause of Christ to- his Huguenotic extraction, 
his connection with the same by early marriage 
into the family of the blessed Gilbert Coutant, 
and his association with that rare body of men, 
with Elias Boudinot at their head, who orig- 
inated the American Bible Society, of which he 
was also a manager at the time of his departure." 

He was Vice-President of the Bible Society 
at the time of his death. The Board made the 
following entry on their Journal : 

"Mr. Halsted had been a member of the 
Board for thirteen years, during nine of which 
he served on one Committee, and during the 
last two years on two, in both which his 
counsels were wise and judicious, and his 
influence salutary. The managers, in a memo- 
rial paper adopted on receiving intelligence of 
his decease, remarked that 6 he was eminently a 
good man, serving his God, the Church, and 
the community with Christian zeal and liberal- 
ity, and filling many offices in civil and religious 
life with efficiency and fidelity. He was espe- 
cially interested in and devoted to the work of 



204 Pillars in the Temple. 



this Society. He will be greatly missed,' they 
add, 6 in the wide field of activity which he so 
honorably filled, while many will recall wifh 
profit the useful achievements of his life. 5 " 

He was also President of the Westchester 
County Bible Society, where his faithful 
services were highly appreciated, and his loss 
deeply mourned. He was a prominent man- 
ager of several of the Saving Banks of Xew 
York, and founder and president of one of 
them. The only salaried public office he ever 
held was that of Supervisor of the town of 
Mamaroneck, to which he was elected a few 
months before his death. 

He was a warm advocate of Lay Eepresenta- 
tion, and spent several weeks at the General 
Conference of 1868 at Chicago endeavoring to 
secure its adoption. His last sickness began 
with a severe cold contracted while traveling in 
August, 1868. Until within a few days before 
his death his illness was not deemed dangerous ; 
and after it became evident that he was called 
to die he was able to converse but little, the 
disease being located in the throat. But he 
met his fate resolutely and heroically. His 
worldly affairs were arranged with composure, 
and as his devoted companion, his sorrowing 
children, and his loving brother watched by his 
side, he would respond to their inquiries with a 
smile or a pressure of the hand which betokened 



Pillaes m the Temple. 205 



peace and triumph God's word was precious 
to the last, and his remembrance of appropriate 
passages was extraordinary. The songs of 
Zion in w r hich he had so often joined were also 
a great comfort to him, and from the few words 
he was able to drop it was evident that he felt 
burning within him the old zeal for his Master, 
and a desire to labor longer for souls. 

He died just at the close of a beautiful Octo- 
ber day. Dr. Abel Stevens, who was present, 
wrote shortly afterward : " He has left a nu- 
merous familv, all of whom are members of the 
Church, emulating his devotion to its interests. 
All his children, save a sick daughter, were 
present at his death-bed ; and while with sub- 
dued sobs and tears they bowed resignedly 
about him, supporting his departing spirit with 
their whispered prayers, he tranquilly fell asleep 
in the Lord, ceasing to breathe without a spasm 
or a sigh. All who were in the chamber hallowed 
by the serene death and the tearful but quiet 
self-possession of a Christian family, felt that 
there was a heavenly beauty in the scene, and 
could say, ' Let my last end be like his.' " 
A friend, in writing of him, says : 
" Many years he stood in the very front of 
the Allen-street society, filling with singular 
effectiveness almost every office to which laymen 
are eligible in our Church economy — leader, 
steward, trustee, treasurer, and Sunday-school 



206 Pillars est the Temple. 

superintendent. His thorough business habits 
made him rich, not only in pecuniary wealth, 
but in the wealth of character, credit, and prac- 
tical ability. And he consecrated to the Church 
and the public good his influence and talents. 
He was one of our very best Church financiers, 
and not only since his retirement from mercan- 
tile life, (some fifteen years ago,) but while most 
engrossed in his own extensive business, he gave 
a very large portion of his time to the manage- 
ment of city Church debts and public charities. 
Allen-street and Cherry-street Churches in this 
metropolis, and Mamaroneck in the country, 
give him a prominent record in this respect. 5 ' 

Schureman Halsted has been an interesting 
example of the influence of Methodism in mold- 
ing the character and developing in practical 
usefulness the- talents of laymen. We can 
hardly hesitate to affirm that he has been as 
active and as useful in the Church, throughout 
his whole Methodist life, as most of our ordinary 
individual pastors. 

Besides his rare ability in the management 
of Church business, he had good talent for 
spiritual labors, and was always ready for any 
demand of the kind. He has stood prominently 
by the side of his brother, Samuel Halsted, for 
years in the "praying band, 5 ' so well known 
in all the vicinity. He was at home in camp- 
meetings. He loved a good hearty Methodist 



Pillars in the Temple. 



207 



"shout," and all who ever knew him aud heard 
his voice in a religious meeting heard it with 
respect. There was a deep fountain of pathos 
in his nature, which often welled up in tears. 
He abounded in religious anecdotes, and was 
singularly illustrative and apt in counseling 
awakened and inquiring souls. 

He was a man of equal prudence and piety. 
He brought up, in a thoroughly Christianlike 
way, a large family, and had the blessed satis- 
faction of seeing all his children in the Church. 
All of them save one, with the endeared wife 
of his youth, and his beloved brother,* (so long 
his faithful colaborer both in his business and 
in the Church,) were around him in the last 
hours — hours which were as serene and beauti- 
ful as those of the declining sun on the day of 
his departure. 

His funeral took place October 9, 1868, at the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck, 
when a striking demonstration was given of the 
high respect in which he was held by all classes 
of persons. Though no public display beyond 
the usual religious services were provided for, 
yet the spontaneous feelings of his friends 
brought together a multitude such as is rarely 

* Samuel and Schureman were nearly of the same age-— Samuel 
"being the elder by some eighteen months. Between them there 
was a strength and tenderness of love which no circumstances 
ever interrupted. They loved as " David and Jonathan," 



208 PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 

seen at private funerals. Nearly fifty ministers 
were in attendance, with large representations 
from the Methodist laity of this city and other 
parts, and individuals of all classes, who came 
to gratify their own deep feelings, and to pay a 
tribute of deserved respect to a good man. As 
he was eminently a successful man in life — in 
business, in his family, and in his social and 
public relations — so, dying, he leaves to his fam- 
ily not only a competency of this world's goods, 
but what is far better, the heritage of a good 
name, " Servant of God, well done." 



THOMAS ARMSTRONG. 

THOMAS ARMSTRONG was born, we be- 
lieve, in Ireland, but came to this country 
with his parents when very young. The follow- 
ing record, made by himself, gives the time of 
his conversion and entrance into the Church : 
66 Thomas Armstrong, son of William and Jane 
Armstrong, on Saturday morning, August 26, 
1809, had the eyes of his understanding opened. 
Sunday, September 3, for the first time, took the 
sacrament. Monday, September 4, he received 
a note from the Rev. R. R. Roberts, by the 
which he received permission to take a seat 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 209 



among the Methodists. Also, the same even- 
ing, for the first time, he was at a love-feast." 

From the time of his conversion Brother 
Armstrong never wavered in his devotion to the 
cause he had espoused ; and as a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church he met with fidel- 
ity all the claims she makes upon her children. 
The doctrines of Methodism received his hearty 
indorsement, but only because he saw in them 
Bible truth. To the usages of Methodism he 
was strongly attached. Occupying the most 
responsible offices to which the , Church calls her 
laity — a steward and leader at the time of his 
death — it was never said of him that he was 
unfaithful to any trust committed to his hands. 
Although no office-seeker, he did not shrink from 
responsibility when the authorities of the Church 
summoned him to assume it. The welfare of 
the Church was ever near his heart ; he remem- 
bered Zion in the midst of an extensive and 
growing business. No theme was more wel- 
come as a subject of conversation than the pros- 
perity of the Church ; and what he could do to 
advance the kingdom of Christ, in either its local 
or general interests, he was at all times ready to 
do. There are few of our laity, if any, now 
living, to whom Methodism is more indebted 
than to Thomas Armstrong for its strength and 
influence in Baltimore and vicinity. 

The virtues of the Christian character were 
14 



210 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



exemplified by our brother in an eminent de- 
gree. He had the simplicity of a child, and 
children loved him. He abounded in that char- 
ity which " suffereth long, and is kind," and 
scrupulously obeyed the apostolic injunction to 
" speak evil of no man." Feeling that it poorly 
comported with their privileges and mission for 
the "children of a King" to "go mourning all 
their days," he rejoiced in the Lord, and the hap- 
P3^ expression of his countenance, and the cheer- 
fulness with which he greeted his friends, told 
better than words how religion filled his soul 
with peace and gladness. He was a man of 
great kindness and tenderness in his family and 
every-where. A strong faith in Grod's fatherly 
care over his children was marked in his char- 
acter, which kept him calm and confiding in the 
midst of all the changes and commotions of the 
world around him. Much given to the reading 
of God's word and to prayer, the fruits of these 
pious exercises daily appeared in his life. Pros- 
pered in business, he never forgot that he was 
the Lord's steward ; and all the institutions and 
enterprises of the Church partook of his benevo- 
lence, which never tired of " calls" when he 
could be assured that the Master made them. 
To the poor he extended an open hand ; yet his 
benevolence was without ostentation or parade. 

To no class of men w r as Brother Armstrong 
more attached than to Methodist preachers, and 



Pillars in the Temple. 



211 



by his death they have lost one of their best 
friends. His house had been their home for 
years ; and by his Christian and cordial atten- 
tions he always made them feel at home in his 
house. He was one of the founders of the 
Preachers' Aid Society of the Baltimore Con- 
ference, and up to the last took a deep interest 
in promoting this benevolent institution. For 
more than half a century he was identified with 
the old City Station, and the universal expres- 
sion at the time of his decease was, that " his 
removal leaves- a void which we know not how 
to fill/' while the venerable Light-street Church 
felt that her strongest earthly support had been 
taken away. 

The death of Brother Armstrong was full of 
peace and triumph. He welcomed death, feeling 
that he had the victory through the blood of the 
Lamb. " Home this week." u Pray me into glo- 
ry!" " Jesus is precious ! " " I want to go home!" 
" I shall be no stranger in heaven !" Such expres- 
sions fell from his lips day after day as he waited 
for his end. His sickness was not long — nine 
days before his death he was at his place of 
business ; but he needed no long sickness to pre- 
pare for his change. Lie had given nearly sixty 
years to the work of preparation, and when the 
messenger called lie was ready. Mark the 
perfect man, and behold the upright; for the 
end of that man is peace." He died in Balti- 



212 



Pillars in the Temple, 



more, Md., November 14, 1868, aged seventy- 
nine. 

In the death of this good man the Church 
lost one of its strong men, and the community 
one of its purest citizens. Few men commanded, 
through so long a life, more universal respect 
and confidence, and few have been more la- 
mented in their death. 



ELISHA TAYLOR. 

ii in AT HER TAYLOR," as he was called by 
Jj all, out of respect for his great worth, was 
born in the town of Shelburne, Hampshire Coun- 
ty, Mass., Augustll, 1784. In 1793 his father, 
Zebulon Taylor, removed with his family to Ca- 
yuga County, N". Y. At this time Cayuga Coun- 
ty was without roads, schools, churches, mills, 
etc., and the family experienced all the rigors 
and privations of pioneer life. A few years, 
however, of untiring industry and economy con- 
verted the dense wilderness into cultivated fields. 
On the 21st of October, 1806, young Taylor 
was united in marriage with Tirzah, daughter of 
Dr. Silas Holbrook, of revolutionary memory. 
Two years later he moved westward. 

Starting with only three dollars in money 
and an ox team, he wended his way toward the 
" Genesee Country," as that portion of western 



PlLLAES OF THE TEMPLE. 



213 



New York bordering on Genesee River and its 
branches was then called. He passed the 
Genesee River at Rochester, which then con- 
tained only one log-house, and pushed westward 
some twenty-four miles, and located on what 
was then known as " Black Creek Flats/' in the 
present township of Byron, in the county of 
Genesee. Here, without nails or other conven- 
iences, he constructed a rude cabin and moved 
into it while yet without door, windows, or 
chimney. The snow was two feet deep, and 
his nearest neighbor was four miles away. Thus 
were laid the foundations of the flourishing; com- 
munities that now render the " Genesee Coun- 
try " the most attractive portion of the Empire 
State. In this beautiful valley " Father Taylor " 
lived thirty-six years. By his industry and econ- 
omy, after long years of toil, he succeeded in 
paying for his farm, erecting good buildings, and 
surrounding himself with the necessaries of life. 

While yet struggling with poverty and pri- 
vation the war of 1812 came on. He at once 
entered the service as a volunteer, passed into 
Canada, and fought gallantly at Fort Erie, for 
which he received a commission from Governor 
Tompkins. Returning from the war he re- 
sumed his life of toil, and, in 1814, united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He became 
fully identified with the struggles and triumphs 
of Methodism in western ISTew York. He was 



214 Pillars in the Temple. 



a positive character, and hence his position was 
never equivocal on questions of religion or moral 
reform. As a champion of Arminianism, he 
soon became a man of mark among his compeers. 
He became a subscriber for " The Christian 
Advocate " from the issue of its first number, 
and ever retained an ardent attachment to its 
fearless advocacy of the right. 

In 1846 Father Taylor turned his face again 
toward the West. His children having re- 
moved to Wisconsin, he concluded to find a 
home near them, and try for the third time a 
pioneer life. Nor was this purpose without the 
hope that fields of usefulness might still open to 
him in this far-off West. He took up his resi- 
dence in the town of Plymouth, Sheboygan 
County, the present village site then only hav- 
ing two families. In this new field he displayed 
wonderful activity and vigor for a man of his 
years, and was especially liberal, both in labor 
and means, in the erection of school-houses and 
churches. In short, Father Taylor was ready 
to every good work, and has left memorials of 
his devotion along his path. Able in prayer, and 
clear in Christian testimony, he was a tower of 
strength to any Church. His bold spirit and 
not unfrequent shout of victory were full of 
encouragement to his brethren. 

Since the death of his companion, which 
occurred February 3, 1868, he had been joyfully 



Pillars in the Temple. 



215 



looking forward to the time of his release. The 
closing scene was worthy of such a life. For 
more than half a century his faith had been 
unwavering, and it was meet that it should now 
plume its wings in holy triumph. As the hour 
drew near for his departure his cup of joy was 
full. The shadow had fallen on the natural eye, 
but the vision of faith was transcendently clear. 
He had a word in season for all who entered 
his room, and in the sick-chamber the shout of 
triumph grew familiar. His face became radiant 
with the glow of immortality, and he shouted, 
" Glory to God in the highest ! " " The Lord 
is my shepherd and my shield ! v " Though I 
pass through the valley and the shadow of death, 
will fear no evil ! " " Glory to God ! Halleluia ! " 
And when his voice became inaudible he still 
breathed whispers of peace and eternal rest in 
heaven. 

Father Taylor died at the residence of his 
son, Hon. John TV". Taylor, in Plymouth, Wis- 
consin, December 16, 1868, aged eighty-four. 



216 PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



DANIEL L. EOSS. 

DANIEL L. ROSS was borii in Milton, near 
Railway, New Jersey, in the year 1821. 
His parents, Timothy and Sarah Ross, were 
members of the Baptist Church, and taught 
their son to embrace the same denominational 
views. Having been favored with good oppor- 
tunities for a common English education, and 
evincing at an early age considerable business 
talent, he engaged as a clerk in a hardware store 
in Railway. 

When but sixteen years of age he came to 
New York city, and w r as employed as a clerk 
in a large dry goods house, in which his brother 
was bookkeeper. At his brother's death Daniel 
was elevated to that responsible position. At 
the age of twenty he was united in marriage to 
Miss Abigail B. Ross, of Railway. Hers was a 
family of considerable influence and position in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church,, and their house 
the hospitable home for Methodist ministers. 
Abigail's religious training w r as therefore strong- 
ly Methodistic. In 1842, just one year succeed- 
ing their marriage, they were both converted in 
the Allen-street Methodist Episcopal Church, 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 217 



Jfew York, and at once became members of 
that Church. 

From that time Mr. Eoss took not only a deep 
and earnest interest in the Church, but also an 
active part in all measures looking to the ad- 
vancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

He soon became accustomed to lead in prayer 
at the usual prayer-meeting after the regular 
evening service on Sunday. At one of the 
Sunday night meetings he arose and simply re- 
marked thus, " I never expect to be a very 
bright light, but I hope to be a steady one/ 5 
This hope was fully realized by the Church 
in his subsequent life. 

In the latter part of the year 1849 he was 
induced, by the representations of his brother, 
then in California, to embark for that region.* 

In order that he might have some capital with 
which to commence business there, he borrowed 
from his father about three thousand dollars, 
which he afterward, in prosperous years, returned 
to him. He soon became one of the leading 

* There is now [1868] in the office of Eoss & Dempster, No. 54 
Broad-street, New York, a box on which " Daniel L. Ross " is in- 
dorsed, in which was inclosed about forty pounds of " gold dust," 
brought to New York in 1848 by the way of South America. 
This was the first California gold dust ever seen in New York. 
The first telegram ever sent over the continuous wire from 
New York to San Francisco, was sent by D. L. Ross to his 
partner in that city, Mr. C. J. Dempster. This was sent as soon 
as the wires were joined on the Plains. 



213 Pillars in the Temple. 



inerchantsin San Francisco, and in the course 
of a few years obtained what was then con- 
sidered a handsome fortune. During this time 
he was the leading supporter in San Francisco, 
among the laity, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The first Methodist Conference in 
California was held in his residence on Stockton- 
street. 

Upon his return to New York in December, 
1852, he entered heartily into the work of fin- 
ishing the Seventeenth-street (Hedding) Church, 
and assisted Mr. John Falconer, his partner in 
business, both with time and money, in com- 
pleting the edifice. He was a devoted attend- 
ant at this Church for several years. "When the 
National Banks were started at the outbreak of 
the civil war he was chosen president of the 
Tenth Is ational Bank, and occupied that posi- 
tion until his death. He was one of the advo- 
cates of Lay Eepresentation in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and assisted in starting the 
" Methodist, 5 ' a weekly journal intended to 
bring the subject more fully before the masses 
of the people. 

About the year 1S62 an incurable disease 
began to oppress both his mind and body. The 
death of his beloved wife in 1S66 made him feel 
weary of life, but his religious convictions pre- 
vented his utterly sinking. He continued to 
attend to his business duties with his usual care- 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 219 



fulness, but he felt that his day of great useful- 
ness had passed. He always looked upon heaven 
as a home, and repeatedly referred to it as if, 
to him, it were but a step to the other side of 
the river. His disease began to assert its power 
in the early part of February, 1868, but he im- 
proved so greatly that on the 10th of February 
he rode out. The exposure caused a relapse, 
and on the 12th day of February he died, in an 
unconscious state. 

Doctor Holdich, speaking of his relation to 
the American Bible Society, says : u Mr. Ross 
was elected a member, of the Board in March, 
1867, and died very suddenly and unexpectedly 
in February, 1868. Having been absent from the 
city at his country residence all the previous sum- 
mer, he had but little opportunity to participate 
actively in the business of the Society. But he 
was a valuable man, a lover of the Bible, deeply 
interested in its circulation, a lover of this 
Society, an encourager of every good work, and 
commanding the confidence of all who knew 
him. Great expectations were entertained of 
his usefulness, and he was, immediately on his 
election, placed on one of the most important 
standing Committees, on which it was believed 
that he would have been of great service. But 
the Supreme Arbiter had other designs ; and, 
to our loss, he was called away in the prime of 
life from labor to reward, He was a sincere 



220 Pillars in the Temple. 



Christian, and died at his residence in this city 
much beloved and lamented. A respectful no- 
tice of his decease was entered on the journal/' 

He was one of the Vice-Presidents of the Mis- 
sionary Society for several years. The cause of 
missions was dear to his heart, and his sound judg- 
ment and integrity induced those in official posi- 
tions to look often to him for advice. The follow- 
ing tribute was paid to his memory by the parent 
Society, and is taken from their Report for 1868 :. 

" Mr. D. L. Poss, one of the Vice-Presidents 
of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. This beloved brother departed 
for the Jerusalem above on the morning of 
Wednesday, February 12, at eight o'clock. The 
event has come upon us as 6 darkness in a clear 
day,' for there were no 6 slowly wasting years' 
in this toiler's life. His sun went c down at 
noonday,' for he was but forty-six years of age. 
His path, from the time of his 6 second birth ' in 
the Allen-street Methodist Episcopal Church, 
has been that of the just. He assisted at the 
laying of the foundation of our missions in Cali- 
fornia, and was there at that early period of his 
life £ a pillar in the temple of God,' and so he 
continued until he c fell asleep.' Upon his return 
from the Pacific Coast he appeared, by the re- 
quest of the Church there, as their representa- 
tive in the General Missionary Committee. In 
November, 1857, be was elected a manager 



Pillars in the Temple. 221 

of the Missionary Society, where his services, 
both in the Beard and in the GeneraOTissionary 
Committee, soon made him the choice of his 
associates as a vice-president of the Society. 
Well known in the house of God and in the 
- gates of the city/ walking with wise men. he 
was always and every-where honored. The 
Missionary Society, with the Church and the 
community, will miss a laborer from the field, 
' r brother born for adversity,* and an ascendant 
light among his fellows every-where." 

The Board of Managers ordered the following 
minute to be entered upon their journal : 

" Daniel L. Boss, for eleven years a member 
of this Board, and for eight years a vice-presi- 
dent of the Society, died at his residence in this 
city on the 12th of February, in the prime of 
his manhood, and in the midst of his usefulness. 
As we pause with painful emotion to note this 
afflictive bereavement, we deplore our loss as a 
mysterious dispensation of Providence ; yet we 
bow with submission to the stroke, believing 
that our heavenly Father has in infinite wisdom 
directed the event. Very high qualities of mind 
and heart adorned the character of our lamented 
brother ; and we especially note his suavity of 
manner and fidelity to the Church and its insti- 
tutions ; and in view of our intimate relations 
with him, personally and officially, we are 
moved with sentiments of profound grief at the 



222 PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 

tidings of his death, arid at the thought that he 
will associate with us no more in this Board, 
where his wise counsels and his generous sym- 
pathy in the cause of missions have been so con- 
spicuous and so well appreciated. But while 
our hearts are heavy we derive no small comfort 
from the reflection that the Christian walk and 
conversation of our departed brother, through all 
his busy life, were such as became the profession 
he made as a follower of Jesus, and to make him 
a living epistle, known and read of all men, and 
that grace was given him at last to triumph 
over death, and to resign, with the cheerful 
trust of faith, his orphan children to the care of 
a covenant-keeping God. We warmly cherish 
the memory of his name and the remembrance 
of his private worth and Christian character, 
commingled with the assurance that his faith 
and labors in Christ are gloriously consummated 
in everlasting happiness. 

" Ja:,ies H. Taft, Vice -President. 
" D. Terry, Recording Secretary?' 

The following tribute to the memory of Mr. 
Ross from the Chamber of Commerce of San 
Francisco, California, was addressed to his son, 
Arthur B. Boss, Esq., soon after the decease of 
his father. It is so illustrative of his character 
as a business man that this narrative would be 
incomplete without it: 



Pillars est the Temple. 



223 



"Chamber of Commerce of Sax Francisco, California, \ 
San Francisco, April 16, 1868. $ 

"Arthur B, Boss, Esq,. Xew York: 

" Dear Sir : At a meeting of the Chamber of 
Commerce of San Francisco, holden March 16, 
1868, a Committee was appointed to report 
suitable resolutions on the occasion of the de- 
cease of our former fellow-citizen and respected 
associate, your father, Daniel L, Ross, Esq. ; 
and at a meeting holden 14th April, inst., the 
inclosed report was read by the Committee, 
adopted, and ordened to be spread upon the rec- 
ords, and a duly authenticated copy thereof to 
be inclosed to your address, 

" Grateful for the opportunity thus afforded us 
of doing our part in bearing testimony to the 
high appreciation with which San Francisco 
merchants regarded your late lamented father, 
we have the honor to remain, 

" Most respectfully yours, 

"Richd. G. Sneath, President 
" C. Tho. Hopkins, Secretary" 

(Copy.) 

" San Francisco, April 14, 1868. 

"To the President and Members of the 

Chamber of Commerce : 

" Your Committee appointed at the last meet- 
ing to take action in reference to the 'death of 
Daniel L. Ross— which was then announced as 
having occurred since the previous regular meet- 



22i 



Pillars in the Temple. 



ing — beg leave to report that it seems appro- 
priate that we should spread upon our records 
some brief expression of the deep feeling awak- 
ened in this corn in unity by the loss of so 
estimable a citizen. D. L. Ross was one of the 
organizers of this Chamber, served as one of 
its early presidents, and remained a member 
until his death. Although cherishing a close 
business connection with this city, and warmly 
interested in its growth, as well as the develop- 
ment of California, his position as president of 
the Tenth National Bank m Xew York had 
prevented his visiting-this Coast during the past 
eight years, and hence many of the younger 
members of this body had but slight personal 
acquaintance with him, and can scarcely real- 
ize the deep sense of bereavement which his 
loss awakened among those to whom intimate 
association had endeared him. He was one of 
the few men to whom the poet's words of eulogy 
could be most truthfully applied : 

" ' Xone knew him but to love him ; 
None named him but to praise.' 

" He was a man of most decided character, of 
positive convictions, and immovable principle; 
yet gentleness of demeanor and modesty of self- 
appreciation so enwrapped him. that only long 
acquaintance enabled friends to comprehend the 
remarkable ability he possessed. He was far- 



Pillars iN the Temple. 



225 



sighted and clear-headed, and dealt with men of 
every station in the daily affairs of life with an 
impartiality, a generous consciousness of the 
rights and interests of both parties to every con- 
tract, which sprang from a constant adherence 
to the ' Golden Rule.' 

"In his private memorandum-book (which 
proves a treasury of precious things to those who 
loved him) was found written, c Lord, let me 
not rise so high as to be presumptuous, nor sink 
so low as to despair.' This is an illustration of 
a prominent characteristic. He was not devoid 
of ambition, though he desired position only for 
the power it gave to do others good; but his 
natural judgment, as well as mental and moral 
training, had deeply impressed upon him the 
conviction that a middle station offers the high- 
est possibilities of usefulness, and affords the 
greatest promise of personal happiness. His 
conclusions in this respect seemed to those 
friends who enjoyed sufficient intimacy to dis- 
cuss them with him the highest earthly wisdom 
irradiated by the promises of Omniscience. 

" He was a shrewd, large-minded merchant 
and banker, with far-reaching plans ; a wonder- 
ful capacity for seeing and appreciating both 
sides of every question ; a patient, industrious 
diligence which made the hours set apart for 
business, periods, of active continuous labor ; yet 

he delighted to escape from its details and de- 
15 



226 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



vote his energies to aiding and managing the 
benevolent, charitable, social, and missionary 
enterprises which make this age the brightest of 
history, and promise such glorious results in the 
next. He was an excellent judge of men, and 
rarely mistaken in his estimate of their ability 
and character. He was cautious, prudent, 
keenly discriminating, and thoroughly business- 
like in all his dealings ; but the closest adherence 
to principle characterized every act, and that 
' charity which suffereth long and is kind, which 
envieth not, and vaunteth not itself, which 
hoperh, believeth, endureth all things/ adorned 
every day of his life. 

" Perhaps his most prominent characteristics 
were, an unceasing and unhesitating devotion to 
duty, and an unfaltering confidence in Him 
'who doeth ail things well.' He daily walked 
and communed with God, and sought his guid- 
ance and help in all the affairs of life. The 
realities of the unseen world were ever about 
him, and he looked upon death as only a step 
from a lower to a higher plane of being. Few 
parents cherish so earnest a devotion to the 
welfare of their children ; few are so tender- 
hearted and make themselves such companions 
to childhood; none feel more intense solicitude 
for the physical and moral well-being of their 
offspring than Mr. Eoss did ; none realize more 
completely the daily necessity for a loving guide 



Pillars in the Temple. 



227 



and protector; yet, in his last hours, when an 
intimate friend alluded to the. mysteriousness of 
that Providence which was about to leave them 
all orphans, he replied with a serene confidence 
which sprang from daily communion with the 
heavenly Father, 6 It is all right, brother, God 
will take care of them ;' and as disease drew the 
mantle of death around him, and speech grew 
difficult, those who bent lovingly over his pillow 
heard him repeat softly to himself, 4 It is all 
right.' 

" There could not be a more complete proof 
of the sublimity and perfection of that Christian 
faith which gave the eye power to pierce through 
the mists of death, and the hand strength to 
reach up to the upper world, and rend asunder 
the vail which enshrouds the future. As a 
loving husband, a tender father, a dutiful son, 
an affectionate brother, a warm-hearted friend, 
a faithful Christian, a courteous' gen tie man, dil- 
igent in business, exhibiting perfect integrity 
in every act, truth in every word, and duty in 
• every thought, he passed through life's trials 
and vicissitudes, daily ripening for heaven ; and 
in middle age, in full possession of all his facul- 
ties, he laid down every power, and calmly 
folding his hands in death passed to his reward, 
leaving upon his brow after the seal was set 
that peaceful, radiant look which told every 
by-stander that the glories of a better world had 



228 Pillars in the Temple. 



burst upon him just as the c vail was lifted. 5 The 
world is better beoause he lived. 

" May we all be better for the example his 
life and death afford us ! May the memory of 
his acts and virtues brighten and purify our 
daily lives, and encourage us in our daily duties ; 
and may we, too, so live that when we pass 
away those who come after us shall delight to 
cherish our memory, and rejoice to follow in our 
footsteps ! 

" Resolved, That this brief sketch of some of 
the prominent characteristics of our departed 
friend and brother-merchant be spread upon 
our records as a merited tribute to his virtues, 
and that as it conveys a feeble expression of our 
estimate of his worth, a copy, duly authenticated 
by the signatures of the president and secretary 
and the seal of this Chamber, be forwarded to 
his son, Arthur B. Ross, Esq., Sew York. 

(Signed,) " 0. J. Dempster, 

" Albert Dibblee, 
" Ira P. Rankin." 

Mr. Ross was one of the laymen of our 
Church who have given to N~ew York Methodism 
its pre-eminent position. Large-minded and 
large-hearted, he was quick to perceive and as 
quick to meet the growing wants of the Church 
both by personal efforts and the exhibition of 
an unstinted liberality, Habituated by com- 



Pillars in the Temple, 229 

merce to large and comprehensive plans, it cost 
him no effort to enter into the life and growth 
of Methodism as a whole, His interest in the 
Church was an interest in its entire develop- 
ment; and his quick intelligence enabled him 
to appreciate the importance of the questions 
which are vital to its welfare, 

A large number of his friends attended his 
funeral, and deep were the expressions of sor- 
row, for many loved him. He had always 
been generous, and his gifts for charitable 
purposes and to the poor had frequently been 
in disproportion to his means. His Christian 
patience during his last illness excited the won- 
der of his physicians, for his sufferings were 
very great. He left five children to mourn his 
loss — all minors except one, His care and fore- 
thought, however, had comfortably provided for 
them. In his death 'New York Methodism was 
called to mourn the loss of one of its most dis- 
tinguished representatives. 

Had he lived and continued to grow as he had 
for the last twenty years of his life, our Church 
at large would have learned, as our Church of 
isew York had already learned, to look upon 
him as one of its wisest and safest counselors. 
Blended with these qualities of mind were 
qualities of heart which secured to him the 
devoted attachment of his friends. His char- 
acter was one of unusual gentleness and purity. 



230 Pillars in the Temple. 



Modest in his estimate of himself, the sense of 
his worth more deeply impressed men the more 
fully his character developed itself before their 
eyes. 

Such men as Daniel L. Ross are very rare. 
They are growths of the Christian spirit — the 
products of ripened Christian character. The 
brethren who gathered about his coffin, and 
carried his body to the grave, will long and 
tenderly cherish the memory of his many 
virtues. 



TIE grandfather of Ja^ies Harper was an 



X Englishman, and one of the earliest Amer- 
ican Methodists. He came to this country about 
1740, and his son Joseph, born in 1766, settled 
as a farmer at Newtown, upon Long Island. 
He married Elizabeth Kollyer, a woman of 
vigorous and superior character, of a cheerful 
piety and kindly humor, and their oldest child, 
James, was born in Newtown on the 13th of 
April, 1795. The town is now one of the pop- 
ulous suburbs of the city, but at that time it 
was still a secluded country village; and James, 
with his younger brothers, remained quietly at 
home, going to the district school and working 



JAMES HAEPEE. 




PlLLAHS IN THE TEMPLE. 



231 



upon his father's farm. The influence of his 
home confirmed his naturally sturdy and honest 
character ; and at the age of sixteen he and his 
brother John were apprenticed to different 
printers in New York — two boys beginning 
active life with no capital but sound principle 
and honest purpose. James was a lad of great 
personal strength, which- was confirmed by his 
regular and correct habits. Thurlow Weed was 
a fellow- workman. The friendship then begun 
lasted through life, and a full-length photograph 
of his old companion in trade hung over the 
mantle in the dining-room of Mr. Harper's 
house when he left it for the last time. James 
was soon the most noted pressman in the city, 
and it is a tradition that if he disliked a fellow- 
pressman, and wished to be rid of him, he over- 
worked him, and so compelled him to retire. 

The habits of his rural home followed him to 
the city. In an age when every body drank 
ardent spirits freely he was strictly temperate, 
and the cold-water disciple justified his faith by 
his works. With the cheerful constancy of the 
fathers of his Church he quietly resisted the 
temptations of the city, and opened a prayer- 
meeting in the house of an old colored woman 
in Ann-street, and joined the John- street Meth- 
dist Episcopal Church. Meanwhile, to their 
simple and thrifty method of life James and his 
brother added work out of hours, so that wh§p 



232 



Pillars in the Temple. 



their apprenticeship was ended they had a little 
money saved. Their capital now was sound 
principle, honest purpose, a trade of which they 
were masters, and some hundreds of dollars, in- 
creased from their father's means ; and with 
this capita], in a small printing-office in Dover- 
street, they began the business which has ex- 
panded through half a century into that of 
Harper & Brothers. 

At first the young men printed books to 
order, doing a part of the composing and press- 
work with their own hands, In August. 1517, 
they delivered two thousand copies of Seneca's 
u Morals " — the first book they printed — to Evert 
Duyckinck, a noted bookseller of that day; in 
December twenty -five hundred copies of Alair's 
"Introduction to Latin, n and in April. 1818, 
five hundred copies of Locke's u Essay upon the 
Human Understanding/' upon which the im- 
print of J. & J. Harper as publishers first ap- 
peared. They proceeded with characteristic 
care. When contemplating the publication of 
a book, especially if a reprint, they sent to the 
leading houses in the trade to ascertain the 
number of copies each would take ; and so, 
slowly and steadily feeling their way, intent 
only upon good work well done, improving 
every opportunity with prompt sagacity, their 
business rapidly extended, and the firm of J. & J. 
Harper was soon the most eminent publishing 



Pillars in the Temple. 



house in the country. Perhaps the most famous 
work that bears the imprint of J. & J. Harper 
is the series known as "Harper's Family Li- 
brary " — a collection familiar to every American 
reader during the last thirty years. The volumes 
were of convenient form, and the Library in- 
cluded standard and attractive works of every 
kind : such as Milman's " History of the Jews/' 
Southey's "Life of Nelson," Gait's "Life of 
Byron," Scott's " Demon ology and Witchcraft," 
Cunningham's u Lives of the Painters," Brews- 
ter's " Life of Sir Isaac Newton," Mrs. Jame- 
son's " Female Sovereigns," Lander's " African 
Travels," and many more. 

Two younger brothers, Joseph Wesley and 
Fletcher, were apprenticed to the firm, and when 
admitted as partners, the style was changed to 
Harper & Brothers, and in 1825 the house was 
established at numbers 81 and 82 Cliff-street, 
upon a part of the site which their buildings now 
occupy. It was then the largest printing-house 
in the city, employing fifty persons and ten « 
hand-presses. Cliff-street was a narrow street 
just back of Pearl, in what is called the Swamp, 
the seat of the leather trade. But it was familiar 
to almost all American authors. When they 
went there and stopped at the Harpers' they 
found a small and very plain office, in which 
there was little room for idlers, and a brisk and 
incessant industry was eveiy-where apparent, 



234 Pillars in the Temple. 



They met a frank courtesy, clearness of state- 
ment, and decision. It was strictly a place of 
business, and of business which had so increased 
that on the 10th of December, 1853, it occupied 
nine large contiguous buildings, full of costly 
machinery of every kind, with stores of plates 
and books — buildings alive with workmen, hum- 
ming with industry, the monument of the skill 
and integrity and constant devotion to their 
business and to each other of the four brothers — 
when a workman threw a piece of lighted paper 
into what appeared to be a trough of water, but 
which was really caniphene, and in a few hours 
the buildings were a mass of smoking rubbish, 
and almost without insurance. 

The loss was about a million of dollars ; but 
James and his brothers were immediately quar- 
tered at Sheffield's paper warehouse, at the 
corner of Beekman and Gold streets, and were 
actively engaged in renewing their business. 
Presses were employed in New York, Philadel- 
. phi a, and Boston. Nothing was forgotten. 
The next monthly issue of the " Magazine " had 
been made ready, and it was reproduced at 
the earliest moment. One regular contributor 
then in Chicago received the first news of 
the fire by a brief telegram: "Copy destroyed. 
Send fresh copy immediately." Before the 
ruins were cleared away the plans of the new 
buildings were ready, and the buildings them- 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



235 



selves were rapidly finished, covering half an 
acre of ground. They are all of iron and brick 
and cement, seven stories high, towering into 
the air upon Franklin Square, not far distant 
from the East River, as if hoping to look 
across to the quiet old country homestead at 
Newtown. 

Of course the development and organization 
of such a business were due not to one brother 
alone, but to the co-operation of all. But this 
is not the place to enlarge upon a fraternal 
friendship as extraordinary as its outward re- 
sults are remarkable. The business was to 
James, as to the others, the great and central 
interest ; but prosperity could not relax his 
steady character. He did not forget his early 
faith, nor the counsels and the habits of his 
Long Island home. He remained strictly a 
" temperance man ; " and his marvelous physical 
vigor was claimed by the temperance advocates 
as that of a cold-water man. He was Jong an 
official member of John-street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and when he left his house in 
Rose-street, and went to live in the upper part 
of the city, he joined the congregation at St. 
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, in Fourth 
Avenue. He was one of the forty-two persons 
who were named in the act incorporating the 
Missionary Society, passed by the Legislature of 
the State of New York, April 19, 1839. But 



236 



Pillars in the Temple. 



with all his fidelity to his ancestral faith he 
cherished the largest charity, and by much ex- 
perience of the world had learned to agree with 
his favorite apostle James, that pure religion and. 
undefiled is to visit the fatherless and widow, and 
to keep himself unspotted from the world. Thus, 
with all his conviction and devotion, there was 
nothino;- hard or fanatical in his feelings or con- 
duct, and he held the pleasantest personal rela- 
tions with men of every faith, Few men indulged 
in so little harsh criticism of others, and he ex- 
pressed censure or disapprobation by humorous 
indirection rather than by open accusation. 
" We must not be too hard," he was fond of 
saying ; "it is so difficult to know all the cir- 
cumstances. If you should insist, for instance, 
that the use of tobacco is a sin, dear me ! dear 
me ! " 

Mr. James Harper was a Whig during the days 
of that party, and a natural conservative. But 
in politics he showed the same moderation and 
toleration. " Don't try to drive men too roughly, 
my dear sir, it is so much easier to draw than to 
push ! " He took no conspicuous or active part 
in politics, except in 18M 5 when he was elected 
Mayor of the city. He was constantly asked to 
serve in Congress, and other public stations ; 
but he steadily declined, saying, with a sly smile, 
that he preferred to stick to the business that . 
he understood. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



237 



To that business his heart and life were given. 
Of late years its active cares had naturally fallen 
into the hands of his younger associates ; but 
he never relaxed his interest and devotion. 
" While I was dressing, 7 ' said a much younger 
neighbor. ;i I used to see Mayor Harper coming 
out of his house to go down town, and felt 
ashamed of myself.'' Early at the office, he 
opened and looked over the mails ; and during 
the hours of the morning he passed from one 
room to another, his shrewd eyes seeing every 
thing, and measuring men and work, chatting 
and jesting as he went. But out of those shrewd 
eyes looked a kind and gentle heart. He knew 
by name the men and women and children em- 
ployed in the various parts of the great build- 
ings, interested himself in their family stories, 
and often won a confidence that was never 
betrayed. His charities, which were ample, 
were thus intelligent and effective, and poor 
men as well as women bent to kiss his calm, un- 
changed face as he lay in his coffin. 

To the last day of his conscious life James 
Harper was as erect of figure and as buoyant of 
spirit as a boy. His interest in public affairs, 
which was that of a sagacious spectator, was 
unabated. He was one of the best known and 
highly honored citizens of the city, whose mar- 
velous growth had continued with that -of his own 
fortunes, but his life never lost its early sim- 



238 



Pillars in the Temple. 



plicity and regularity. For some time his fam- 
ily had observed that, in the daily religious serv- 
ice at home, he no longer prayed to be delivered 
from sudden death, and upon being asked why, 
answered pleasantly, " The Lord knows best." 
On Thursday, the 25th of March, he came to 
the office in his usual health. For the last time 
his cheerful face and stalwart form were seen in 
ail the rooms as he moved rapidly about. Having 
dined, he drove out as usual with his daughter. 
A brother publisher in the city, upon horseback, 
passed him near the Central Park, and remarked 
to his daughter who was riding with him, " How 
well Mr. Harper looks ! " Soon afterward, the 
pole of the carriage suddenly broke, and the 
horses, although docile and well-trained, were 
frightened and ran. At once they were beyond 
the control even of Mr. Harper's strong hand, 
and he and his daughter were presently thrown 
violently to the pavement. She happily escaped 
serious injury, and was carried home. Her 
father was taken insensible to St. Luke's Hos- 
pital, where, without regaining consciousness, 
he died on the nest Saturday evening, March 
27, 1869, at a quarter past seven, surrounded by 
his family, excepting his wife, who had long been 
an invalid. 

The expression of the public sorrow and 
respect was general and sincere, and the funeral 
in the church which he attended was a touch- 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



239 



ing demonstration of the regard in which he 
was held by the city in which he had lived so 
modest, blameless, and honorable, life. But 
among all the public and private tributes to his 
memory the one that he would most have valued 
was that of those engaged in every department 
of his business, who knew him most familiarly 
in his daily duty, and who, at a meeting at 
which Mr. Henry Marsh, for forty-seven years 
associated with the business of Harper & Broth- 
ers, presided, and which, after appropriate re- 
marks, passed these resolutions : 

;i Whereas, In the sudden and unexpected 
death of Mr. James Harper, we, the employes of 
the firm of which the deceased was for more than 
half a century the senior partner, have cause, 
through our long association with him and our 
knowledge of his generous character, and his 
forbearing and kindly nature, for more than 
common regret ; we deem it proper that we 
should put on record the high respect in which 
we hold him : therefore, 

" Besolved, That in the death of Mr. James 
Harper society has lost an ornament, the com- 
munity an upright and esteemed citizen, his 
immediate family a devoted husband and father, 
and his employes a considerate, kindly, and 
honorable employer. While we, in common 
with our fellow-citizens at large, have extreme 
regret for his loss to the community, we have 



240 



PlLLABS IN THE TEMPLE. 



beyond that a deeper sorrow growing out of our 
personal acquaintance with him, and the remem- 
brance of his genial presence and the kindly 
sympathy and encouragement with which he 
always lightened our labors. On account of 
that evident sympathy and good-will toward us 
which was so characteristic of him, our recol- 
lections of him are especially endeared. 

" Resolved, That to his immediate family, and 
to the surviving brothers of the firm, we tender 
our thorough, heartfelt sympathy for their irre- 
parable loss, hoping that their sorrow will be 
assuaged by the remembrance that his was a 
fully completed and honored life." 

The New York Preachers' Meeting adopted 
the following Minute, reported by a committee 
consisting of Revs. Dr. E. S. Foster, L. H. King, 
and Cyrus X). Foss: 

" ^iVliereas we, the members of the Preachers' 
Meeting of New York and vicinity, have heard 
with profound feeling of the sudden death of 
the Hon. James Harper, ex-Mayor of New York, 
a distinguished citizen, long and widely known 
in our own and other countries in connection 
with literature, as the founder and successful 
administrator of the largest publishing house in 
the world ; and especially whereas he has been 
known and endeared to us as an honored mem- 
ber of our Church from his early manhood, and 
intimately connected with its history and growth 



Pillars in the Temple. 241 



in this vicinity, and has illustrated in bis event- 
ful and conspicuous life the virtues of our holy 
religion, we have deemed it fitting that we 
should give some expression to our feelings on 
the occasion of his removal out of the world ; 
therefore, 

"Resolved, 1. That while we thankfully recog- ' 
nize the benign hand of God in his life, we bow 
with submission to the strange providence which 
has so suddenly and sadly terminated his earthly 
existence. 

" 2. That we hereby give assurance to the 
bereaved family and afflicted brothers and rela- 
tives of our profound and most tender sympathy 
in their great and irreparable grief." 

On Monday afternoon a meeting of the lead- 
ing publishers of the city was held, and appro- 
priate and appreciative memorial resolutions 
were adopted. The funeral of Mr.- Harper took 
place at St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church 
on Tuesday afternoon, in the midst of a large 
congregation, Dr. Ridgaway, Pastor of the 
Church, and Dr. M'Glintoek and Rev. C. D. 
Foss, former Pastors, officiating. Early the next 
morning James Harper was laid tenderly by 
those who loved him best in his grave at Green- 
wood Cemetery. 

16 



242 



Pillars in the Temple. 



JAMES W. BARKER. 

TAMES W. BARKER was bora in White 
J Plains, Westchester County, iN". Y., Decem- 
ber 5, 1815. His father died when he was 
young, but from infancy James was the subject 
of Christian culture bestowed by the precepts 
and example of a pious mother, which, followed 
by her prayers, and watered by her tears, at an 
early age made an indelible impress upon his 
mind. Of his mother, who seems to have been 
a superior woman, the son was often heard to 
speak among his intimate friends in terms of 
the tenderest affection and reverence, acknowl- 
edging his great indebtedness to her counsel and 
influence. To the close of his life it was a source 
of great joy that he had the privilege in her de- 
clining years to entertain her as a sanest at his 
house. From the happiness of his earthly home 
she took her departure for her heavenly one, 
where we doubt not ere this their happy 
spirits have greeted each other. 

At an early period in his life James left his 
home and came to ISTew York city, where he 
obtained a situation as clerk in a dry goods 
store. Here he manifested much spirit and 



Pillars in the Temple. 



243 



energy, working hard to please, and displaying 
great aptitude for business. Here also the good 
seed that had been sown in his heart began to 
exhibit golden fruits in his life. He was in- 
formed one day that his services would be re- 
quired at the store on the Sabbath, to which he 
promptly replied, " I can't work on Sunday." 
He was then told that he must leave, but soon 
after his employer came to him and said, " James, 
is it from laziness or principle that you won't 
work on Sunday ? " With much feeling, and 
yet with becoming respect, he replied : " Sir, 
did you ever know me to refuse to do what 
you requested of me ? I can't work, from prin- 
ciple." 41 Then you can stay ! " was the reply. 
Such manly fortitude and strict adherence to 
the right in one so young could not but win for 
him the esteem and confidence of all with whom 
he associated. He continued as clerk until his 
twentieth year, when he found that by rigid 
economy he had saved nearly enough of his 
earnings to start business for himself. With 
this money, and some credit, which was readily 
obtained, he opened a small dry goods store on 
Grand-street. By strict attention to business 
his trade constantly increased until 1841, when 
he sold out to his brother, and established him- 
self in another store in Catherine-street, where 
he took one of his clerks as partner. 

Here, as before, he evinced great shrewdness 



244 Pillars in the Temple. 



and good judgment in business, and became 
widely known as a popular and successful mer- 
chant, his sales in 1846 amounting to $300,000, 
which was at that day an immense retail trade. 
In 1851 he retired from the mercantile business, 
but resumed it again in Pittsburgh in 1859. 
Here he exhibited the same proficiency as be- 
fore, and the same success attended him, his 
reported sales in the wholesale and retail de- 
partments in 1866 amounting to nearly a million 
of dollars. At the time of his death, the busi- 
ness firm of J. W. Barker & Co. was one of the 
largest and most favorably known in the city of 
Pittsburgh. 

Successful as Mr. Barker was in business, it 
was not, however, in the mercantile circle alone 
that he was known, or his talents appreciated. 

For a short period of his life he took a very 
active part in the politics of the country. It 
was at the time of the famous " Know Nothing " 
movement. Fully believing that the principles 
of the American party were true, he became 
untiring in his endeavors to promote its success. 
His clear foresight and indomitable energy was 
soon recognized, and made him a leader of the 
Order, first as President of the Grand Council 
of the State of New York, and afterward of 
the United States. He was also made President 
of the Presidential Convention of the American « 
party which nominated Mr. Fillmore, 



Pillars in the Temple. 



215 



In 1854 lie was nominated by Ins party for 
Mayor of ~Sew York, with Fernando Wood, 
candidate of the Democratic party, as his oppo- 
nent. The contest was a very ciose one, but in 
making the final returns the canvassers declared 
Wood elected by a very small majority. Mr. 
Barker, however, had very strong grounds for 
doubting the correctness of the result as re- 
ported, and his friends still believe that he was 
actually elected by a majority of the votes 
cast. 

As a just tribute to his rigid integrity and 
probity-during this exciting period of his life, 
he was told on one occasion by one of the 
shrewdest modern politicians of the city or na- 
tion, that he (Mr. Barker) was entirely too kind- 
hearted and honorable to make a successful 
politician. Soon after this the American party 
became disorganized, or merged into other 
organizations, and. in 1860 Mr. Barker became 
the firm supporter of Mr. Lincoln, and contin- 
ued faithful in the interests of the Republican 
party until his death. 

But of the crowning glory of this good man's 
life we have yet to speak. He attributed the 
many successes of his life not to any real merit 
or goodness inherent within himself, but to the 
exceeding grace of God, He clearly demon- 
strated the truth of the Saviour's injunction, 
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his 



246 



Pillars in the Temple. 



righteousness, and all these things shall be added 
unto you. 5 ' When about fifteen years of age he 
sought God, and after a severe struggle soon 
received the clear evidence, through faith in 
Christ, of his conversion. He immediately 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which his honored mother had long been a 
member, and continued in its fellowship until 
the Master said, " Come up higher.' 5 Faith in 
Christ is an active principle, and led this young 
disciple at once to the confession of his name. 
The fire which had been kindled within could 
not be confined, and he began to labor for the 
salvation of others, praying and speaking in 
public, and urging his friends and associates to 
become partakers of like precious faith. His 
fervent prayers and exhortations, in connection 
with his youth, often produced powerful effects 
upon those present. He was successful as a 
Sunday-school teacher and superintendent. The 
Church, recognizing his talents, consistent walk, 
and piety, appointed him to positions- of respons- 
ibility and trust. He held the several offices 
of class-leader, steward, and trustee, holding the 
last at the time of his death. His fidelity and 
sound judgment as an officer in the Church con- 
vinced his brethren that their confidence had 
not been misplaced. 

The advantages of a liberal education Brother 
Barker was not permitted to enjoy, He was 



Pillars in the Temple. 217 



not, therefore, in the common acceptation of the 
term, a literary man, yet his was a well-stored 
mind. His knowledge was perhaps more intui- 
tive than the result of study, but what he knew 
he knew thoroughly. He was remarkable for 
good common sense and wisdom gained from 
the teachings of the past and lessons of ex- 
perience, thus furnishing his judgment with 
resources which he readily turned to practical 
account. 

Brother Barker was a great lover of what is 
commonly called " old-fashioned Methodism," 
being strongly attached to the discipline and 
doctrines of the Church, and always a warm 
advocate for free seats and congregational sing- 
ing. He watched with anxiety any deviations 
from the old ways, but always heartily in- 
dorsed any new measures that seemed likely to 
increase the spirituality and strength of the 
Church. 

Those who knew him most intimately re- 
garded his deep, heartfelt sympathy for the 
distressed, and his uniform kindness to the 
poor, as one of the most prominent traits of his 
character. He was practical^ a benevolent 
man. Sympathy with the suffering and dis- 
tressed was with him both a matter of feeling 
and of principle and of obligation. He turned 
no beggar away empty. The destitute and 
those who moved in the humblest walks of life 



248 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



shared in his benevolence and hospitality. 
They were often received under his own roof 
and fed at his own table. Many a time, while 
passing through the crowd to or from business, 
was he known to turn aside to relieve the 
pressing necessities of the widow and the father- 
less. During the cold winter months he was 
accustomed to purchase articles of bedding 
and warm clothing, and place them in the 
hands of some trusty person to be sent to the 
most needy of the Church and neighborhood ; 
and frequently was his own house robbed of 
every available blanket, and amid the pelting 
storm or piercing cold of a winter's night trans- 
ferred by his own hands to the abodes of suffering 
and want. One of the last public acts of his 
life was the establishment of the cheap carriage 
service at the Central Park, by which invalids 
and families could enjoy all the benefits of the 
ride and pure air at a trifling expense. His 
death occurred a few days before the anniver- 
sary of our national independence, just pre- 
vious to which he had made arrangements for 
spreading tables under the shade trees of his 
beautiful country home, and inviting the poor, 
white and colored, of the neighborhood to 
the entertainment. Truly the blessing of 
Him "that considereth the poor" came upon 
our brother, and his example* is well worthy of 
imitation. 



Pillars in the 



Temple. 



249 



In Brother Barker the virtues which consti- 
tute the Christian gentleman were most har- 
moniously blended. He was firm and decided, 
yet persuasive and respectful. 

As a friend he was true, warm, sympathizing, 
and constant, allowing no difference of opinion 
to sever the cord that bound him to the heart 
and friendship of another. He was very careful 
not to injure the feelings or reputation of others 
by evil speaking, and would often reprove or 
check others for speaking evil of absent ones. 
Re would not willingly offend, and was always 
as ready to forgive the errors of others as he was 
to acknowledge his own, and would never im- 
pute a bad motive where a good one could be 
supposed. 

The social and family circle were never more 
interesting than when Brother Barker was their 
center ; his dignity, yet freedom from stiffness, 
his cheerfulness without unbecoming levity, his 
generous-good nature, and his almost inexhaust- 
ible fund of instructive and sometimes amusing 
incidents, drawn from real life, could not fail 
to interest those who enjoyed his society. 
He ruled his household in love, all being dic- 
tated by a deep, genuine, tender affection. But 
any attempt to draw a true and full portrait of 
him as he was at his own fireside would only 
prove a failure. Let it suffice to say that he was 
a Christian father and husband, such a one as 



250 Pillars in the Temple. 

can be fully appreciated only by tliose hearts 
that bleed to-day under the stroke of that prov- 
idence by which he has been removed from 
their midst. 

For months previous to his death it was ap- 
parent to those most intimate with him that the 
Lord was preparing him for that event. In the 
closet and at the family altar, as well as in his 
daily walk and conversation, his communion 
with God was more uninterrupted, his peace 
was more uniform and sweet, his mind was 
more spiritual, and his faith stronger. The call 
for our brother to " arise and depart ' ? was very 
sudden and unexpected. The evening previous, 
on retiring to his room, he spent an unusual 
time in secret prayer, and still lingering at the 
mercy-seat, placing the hand of his wife in his, 
'he repeated with childlike simplicity the prayer 
he was taught in infancy, " I'sow I lay me down 
to sleep," etc. How sublime the scene ! It 
was his last night on earth, his last evening 
prayer ; and though entirely unconscious of it, 
yet how exceedingly appropriate the last utter- 
ance, commending his soul to God in entire 
confidence whether living or dying. Soon after, 
he retired and enjoyed his usual night's rest 
until the day began to dawn, when he awoke 
with a strange sensation about the heart and 
panting for breath. The family was imme- 
diately called, the proper remedies were ap- 



Pillars in the Temple. 251 



plied, medical aid was summoned, and all that 
affection or skill could suggest was done to 
afford relief. But it availed not ; his work was 
done. Death, the great conqueror, had already 
taken the outposts, and was now making his 
last bold attack upon the citadel of life. While 
in the midst of the severe and final struggle, his 
daughter bending over him said, "Don't be 
frightened, pa." The Christian hero, trusting 
in God, raised his eyes, and with a look of 
recognition, and a sweet, heavenly smile light- 
ing up his countenance, replied, " I am not 
afraid!" A few brief moments passed and 
the conflict was ended — the victory was won — 
the heavenly spirit was released from its earth- 
ly clay, and mounting to its native heaven, 
mingled with redeemed and kindred spirits 
around the throne. 

Thus lived and thus died, one of nature's 
noblemen, his death occurring at his lovely 
residence near Railway, New Jersey, June 
26, 1869. In all the relations of public and so- 
cial life — as a business man, citizen, Christian, 
husband, father, and brother — lie was an example 
of inflexible integrity, blended with the purest 
affection and love. His personal appearance 
was commanding, being tall, well-built, with an 
expressive countenance, and a bright, cheerful 
eye — index to the soul within. But with all his 
talents as a man, bis faith as a Christian, and 



252 j PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 



his unchanging, devoted affection as a rela- 
tive and friend, our esteemed and lamented 
brother has passed away. " Mark the perfect 
man and behold the upright, for the end of 
that man is peace." 



JOSEPH WESLEY HAKPER. 

THE life of Wesley Habpek, as his family 
and friends called him, was wholly private 
and domestic. Shy and retiring, he avoided 
entirely that kind of public service which makes 
men's names familiar, and for which, indeed, 
his qualities of mind and heart, but not of tem- 
perament, peculiarly fitted him. He w r as born 
on the 25th day of December, 1801, in New- 
town, Long Island. His father, for whom he 
was named, was an earnest Methodist, and, with 
his own name, gave his son that of Wesley. 
From his mother, doubtless, came that kind- 
liness of humor which never forsook him, and 
which made the last days, like all the days of 
his life, so cheerful and serene. Wesley had 
ahvays a fond remembrance of his early home, 
and although the domestic discipline in the fam- 
ily of a hard-working Methodist farmer, in the 
days when that Church was Ml of the mission- 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



253 



ary spirit, was probably severe, it was that 
severity of affection which does not cloud the 
memory, and for which, indeed, a filial and 
pious spirit is always grateful. One of Wesley's 
pleasant pictures of his childhood was his lying 
upon the hay in the field or in the barn, and 
reading to an old black man, one of his father's 
workmen. " It is many a long year since I have 
seen him," he said ; " but I know that I shall 
see him in heaven. " 

"Wesley Harper was the third child of his 
parents, and was always a delicate boy. His 
two older brothers, James and John, left their 
fathers house when Wesley was about ten years 
of age, and while he was yet a youth they had 
begun business together as printers and pub- 
lishers, under the style of J. & J. Harper. Be- 
fore he was twenty he was apprenticed, with his 
younger brother Fletcher, to the older brothers, 
and mastered the trade of printing. He was a 
skillful proof-reader, and in the course of this 
duty he became familiar with much of the best 
English literature, which was carefully read by 
him in the reprints of the house. As foreman 
of the composing-room, he was brought into per- 
sonal contact with men who, in those days of 
hard drinking, were often turbulent and trouble- 
some ; but he had no trouble. He was slight 
in figure! and had not the remarkable muscular 
power of his brothers. But he had the force of 



254 PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. > 

moral firmness, a singularly persuasive manner, 
and that unaffected regard for men, independent 
of their condition, which is instantly felt by 
them ; and these gave him an ascendency in his 
department which enabled him to keep the 
peace without harshness or ill-will. 

Before 1S25 Wesley and Fletcher had both be- 
come partners in the house, and the style was 
changed to Harper (fc Brothers. Thevwere all 
practical printers, and the success of the firm as 
publishers was already remarkable. Sagacious, 
untiring, devoted strictly to their business, t he- 
operations of the house were constantly ex- 
tended, and its intercourse by correspondence 
was most courteous and kindly, for "Wesley was 
the correspondent, and his letters, embracing a 
wide variety of subjects, and addressed to par- 
sons of every kind of temperament, were remark- 
able for the same urbanity of manner and 
intelligent clearness of statement that marked 
his personal intercourse. His health was still 
delicate, and he was carefully temperate in all 
his habits. But temperance was not a trial, for 
he had a natural rectitude which seemed to spare 
him all moral struggles. 

The religious influences of his father's house 
were seed dropped into a kindly soil. The 
young man early connected himself with the 
Methodist Church, and in all its multitude of 
adherents there could be none of a truer humil- 



Pillars in. the Temple. 



255 



ity and a sincerer piety than Yresley Harper. 
He seemed to feel the same affectionate pride in 
it that George Herbert cherished for the Church 
of England. He was a class-leader, aixi always 
a most liberal and devoted member. But the 
shy humility that was his crowning grace kept 
him silent and unobtrusive. He did not exhort 
nor declaim, Faithful and constant in his at- 
tendance at Church, and most generous in his 
support of all its enterprises, his devotion was 
deep but not noisy. His ceaseless charity, his 
patience, his simplicity and friendliness, were 
his religious rites — his whole life was his great 
act of worship. The services of his Church and 
the spirit of its members strongly moved him, 
and he went often in Brooklyn, where he lived, 
to share in the worship of the colored brethren, 
delighting in its fervor and fullness of expression. 
Doubtless he liked to recognize the divine 
Fatherhood by identifying himself in religious 
feeling and aspiration with his human brothers 
of the lowest estate. 

He thanked God that he was a Methodist ; 
but there was probably never a man so affection- 
ately and firmly attached to his own religious 
denomination who was so truly liberal and free 
from all taint of bigotry. He held to his own 
sect, but as one believing that in his Fathers 
house were many mansions. Sectarian arro- 
gance was as impossible to him as social arro- 



256 Pillars in the Temple. 

ganee. If you watched him on Sunday, you 
saw that he went to the Methodist Church. If 
you watched him every day in the year, you 
saw that he was a good man. 

Soon after joining the firm he married and 
settled in Brooklyn, and gradually a large fam- 
ily clustered around him. The business pros : 
pered. As the correspondent of the house he 
was brought in contact with men of every kind, 
and his acquaintance was very wide. His shrewd 
observation, his retentive memory, and his ge- 
nial humor made his reminiscences of noted 
persons very charming. The impression made 
by him upon all who came to the office was that 
of an intelligent, courteous, and most unas- 
suming man. But it was well said, that if 
the question were asked, Which is the head 
of the house, which is the Harper, and who 
are the brothers J the only accurate answer was, 
"Either one is Harper, and all the rest are the 
brothers." 

Such fraternal harmony in business is remark- 
able. " The action of the house was the result of 
mutual counsel, in which the singularly sound 
judgment of Wesley, his knowledge of men, 
his general intelligence, were indispensable. 
For, although of the utmost courtesy and manly 
gentleness, he was a man of clear insight into 
character, and curiously impatient of pretense. 
The constant lambent humor that played 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



257 



over the whole surface of his life often touched 
folly and affectation with a kindly satire that 
showed how truly they were perceived. Wesley 
Harper's goodness was not a sweetness without 
flavor. Xo man had a keener eye for the facts 
of human life and character. He was univer- 
sally beloved by all those who were employed 
by the firm ; and the secret of their great regard 
was not merely his kindness of manner — it was 
his real humanity. He treated them as a man 
associating with men, not merely as a master 
with his workmen. He won their confidence, 
and they discovered that they had found a friend. 
Every morning he appeared quietly in every 
department, loitering from case to case, from 
bench to bench, and group to group, stopping 
to chat, or to note the "copy/ 3 or to look over 
the proof, or to see, with his mild eye, that there 
was no lagging or confusion. That tranquil 
presence will be a remembered benediction in 
every room. A few days before he died one of 
the oldest and most trusted of the persons em- 
ployed in the house went to see him, and Wesley 
bade him good-bye, and begged him, if ever in 
word or manner he had seemed harsh, to believe 
that he had not meant unkindly, and to forgive 
him. " I told him," said the faithful fellow- 
laborer, " that if there was any thing to forgive, 
it was not upon my side." Another said, whose 
position enabled him to observe closelv Weslev's 

17 



258 



Pillars in the Temple. 



character as a business man, " I have known 
him for forty years, and he is spotless. 5 ' 

So the prosperous and pleasant years passed 
away. He built a spacious house in Brooklyn, 
full of sunshine without and within. To one 
who loved him it seemed, as a man's chosen 
home should, a kind of image of himself. He 
still went away from it occasionally upon some 
short voyage for his health, but whenever he 
returned he quietly resumed his old habits at 
the office. For some time he believed himself* 
to be seriously ill; but it was not until the 
winter of 1889-70 that a sudden and startling 
attack warned him of his condition, and a sub- 
sequent careful investigation showed him that 
he could not recover, and that his death might 
occur at any moment. But whatever inexpress- 
ible sorrow this brought to others, Wesley Har- 
per tranquilly kept the noiseless tenor of his 
way. When he was a little better he made 
short excursions into the country, and came 
occasionally to the office. He sat quietly, con- 
versing with difficulty, and with all the old 
kindly humor and charity, his interest in the 
welfare of the house unabated, saying pleasantly, 
" Now that James is gone, how can I be spared ? 55 
But he went no more into the work-rooms, and 
in his heart he knew, as all knew, that his work 
was done. 

Then came the confinement to the house, to 



Pillars in the Temple. 



259 



the room, to the bed. But in no happy home 
was there a more cheerful room than the cham- 
ber of the dying man. All his friends came to 
it and went away as with a blessing. To his 
religious brethren who sought his confidence he 
spoke with manly humility of his filial trust in 
God, and of his satisfaction that he had always 
professed his faith. But this he said only to 
those who invited it. Upon no man did IrVes- 
ley Harper ever intrude his inmost, sacred 
convictions. At last, and from day to day, he 
seemed almost to hover between life and death. 
But he had made every arrangement for the 
end, had even named his pall-bearers — four of 
his friends in. the Sands-street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and four of his friends employed 
by the firm — and he afiectionately invited all, 
in every department of the business, to attend 
his funeral, On Sunday afternoon, the 13th, a 
friend called, but learning that he was not so 
well, would, not go up stairs, Mr. Harper, hear- 
ing the name, sent a humorous message of love, 
On Monday morning, February 14, 1S70, he 
seemed to be refreshed by the night's rest. But 
at about half past seven he asked his sister, 
who was with him, to raise the window, for he 
did not breathe freely. She did so. and gave 
him a little drink. He thanked her, smiled 
upon her with the old familiar tenderness, and 
closed his eyes. She saw the change, and 



260 



PlLLAES m THE TEMPLE. 



stepped into the next room to call the others. 
But it was too late. Without a sigh, Wesley 
Harper had died as peaceably as he had lived. 

He was buried from the Sands-street Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, with which he had been 
long associated ; and the great congregation, a 
throng of sincere and sorrowing friends, needed 
only to remember what he was to feel how truly 
a good life conquers death ; while in their own 
greater charity, and patience, and fidelity, here- 
after those who knew Wesley Harper will always 
feel his influence, and perceive that a good man, 
though dead, yet speaketh. 



WILLIAM W. CORNELL. 

WILLIAM W. COKNELL was born on Long 
Island, in the State of New York, January 
1, 1823. His father was a farmer; and both 
parents were of English descent. He was one 
of a large family of children, who had the ad- 
vantage in early life of the simple and healthful 
discipline of a humble and honest country home. 
He came to New York at sixteen years of age, 
entered the shop of his elder brother George, 
and became a member of his brother Henry's 
family. By this brother he was taken to Greene- 



PlLLAKS IN THE TEMPLE. 



261 



Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and joined 
its Sunday-school. At eighteen he was con- 
verted and united with the Church, He was 
at that time a member of Mr. Joseph Longking's 
Bible-class, in connection with such youths as 
John M. Eeid. C. C. North, George Collord, 
and others, since rioted % for their sterling worth. 
In the Sunday-school he made the acquaintance 
of the young lady. Miss Sarah H. Lyon, who 
afterward became his wife, and who ever proved 
to him a true companion. Thus was conceived 
that strong love which always bound him to the 
Sunday-school. In it he received his deepest 
spiritual impressions, his clearest Scriptural in- 
structions, formed his earliest friendships, and 
founded his family ties : it is not surprising, 
therefore, that his highest powers should have 
been consecrated to the work of Sunday-school 
instruction. 

The subsequent career of young Cornell was 
soon shaped. He became a teacher in the 
Greene-street school, and continued, such until 
his removal to the Jane-street charge in 1853. 
About this time he was elected superintendent 
of a colored. Sunday-school in the neighborhood, 
which position he filled until called to the 
charge of the Jane-street school. In 1S60 the 
Eev. Dr. Randolph S. Foster was appointed 
to the pastoral care of the Washington Square 
Church, in Fourth-street, a new enterprise, which 



PlLLAES M THE TEMPLE. 



was embarrassed with a large debt, Mr. Cornell 
at once came to the help of his former pastor 
and the noble brethren of that charge, and 
contributed greatly, both by his counsels and 
his means, to their relief. As a trustee of the 
Chnrch. and. superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, he was an important instrument in 
bringing the Church to its present degree of 
prosperity. It was here, too. that the man first 
fully showed himself in the unfolding of those 
attributes which ^oon brought him into such 
prominence, and gave him the wide scope of 
usefulness which employed his last years. There 
were other causes besides his piety, zeal, and 
good sense, which were now distinctively in 
motion, and which helped to set him in the 
foremost rank of the Methodist laymen of Xew 
York city. They were of a material kind : and 
to understand his influence they must be ad- 
verted to. 

Mr, Cornell was a very successful man of 
business. The rise. proaTe^s, and extent of the 
business in which he was engaged may be stated 
in few words. The two brothers. John B. and 
William W. Cornell, began the manufacture of 
iron-work for building purposes in February. . 
1847,iii a little wooden shopon Center-street. with 
but a single assistant, and a capital of sl.nnO, 
In February. 1S70. their active capital was over 
$1,000 5 000 3 and their pay-rolls bore the names 



Pillars in the Temple. 



263 



of nine hundred workmen, while the insignifi- 
cant foundry of 1847 had grown into a five- 
story iron building, and extended till it covers 
two thirds of the whole block. The expansion 
of their work demanded other accommodations, 
and they erected the extensive foundries and 
shops located on Twenty-fifth and Twenty- 
sixth streets, and the Eleventh Avenue and the 
North River. Their shops now cover about 
eight acres, give employment to a regiment of 
men, and turn out annually thousands of tons 
of iron-work. While the Cornells were not the 
first to apply iron in the construction -of build- 
ings, Mr. James Badger, of Boston, having pre- 
ceded them, it is likely that they have out- 
stripped all their competitors in the variety and 
extent of its application. Besides many smaller 
jobs in Is ew York and elsewhere, including the 
construction of turrets and turret machinery of 
the iron-clacls Minantonomah and Tonawanda, 
for the United States Government, they have 
put up some of the largest and most important 
buildings of the city. Among these are the 
iron-work for the new Court-house, the store of 
Claflin & Mellen, Herald Buildings, Park Bank, 
the Stock-Exchange, the New York Life Insur- 
ance Building, the Methodist Publishing and 
Mission House, and Mr. A. T. Stewart's store 
on Tenth-street and . Broadway. This last 
structure, by the completion of the angle on 



264 



Pillars m the Temple. 



Ninth-street and Broadway, covers an entire 
block, and is the largest and most superb build- 
ing devoted to mercantile business in the world. 
In looking at it one scarcely knows which most 
to admire, the genius which can create such a 
business as Mr. Stewart's, or the skill which 
could devise and rear such a palace for its trans- 
action. The firm also erected Mr. Stewart's 
new hotel for women on Fourth Avenue and 
Thirty-second and Thirty-third streets, and 
Tiffany's new store on Union Square. 

Enough has been cited to show the capacity 
of these brothers for business. Their success is 
one of the most remarkable achievements of our 
city, and in acquiring it they have conducted 
themselves toward each other, and toward their 
customers and their employes, npon strictly 
moral and religious principles. They were 
brothers indeed, each trusting the other im- 
plicitly, and never stopping to ask the reasons 
for any course which was pursued. They did 
not divide their work into departments, but into 
jobs. For example : Mr. William Cornell at- 
tended to the whole of Mr. Stewart's work, 
Mr. J. B. Cornell never having exchanged over 
a dozen w r ords with Mr. Stewart on business 
until after his brother's death. In twenty- 
three years of the closest relationship, during 
which these gentlemen had all the prosperity 
which could possibly gratify ambition, and all 



Pillars m the Temple. 



265 



the annoyances which the conduct of so vast a 
business must unavoidably entail, not an un- 
pleasant word or look passed between them, 
^ Never did I see my brother," says Mr. John 
B. Cornell, a in the least ruffled, as though any 
thing had gone wrong." For the last eight 
years they made money very rapidly ; it might 
be said they have literally transmuted iron into 
gold. Old Tubal-cain has been their faithful 
servant, and that for the simple reason that 
they have waited promptly upon his bidding. 
AVhile to meet with them at their homes or in 
the sanctuary you would really take them to be 
men of leisure — with such genial grace were 
the amenities of home and religion dispensed — 
still never have any men more thoroughly and 
systematically devoted themselves to business 
in its time and place. 

Mr. William "W. Cornell's material prosperity 
was an indispensable adjunct to his prosperity 
as a Christian worker. His elevation in the 
Church, the influence to which he attained, was 
largely due to money. He was not high born ; 
his talents were not showy ; his person was not 
commanding ; the only eloquence he possessed 
was that of earnest meaning ; his piety was 
deep and pervasive, but not more demonstrative, 
and perhaps not more sincere than that of 
many ; but he knew how to make money and 
how to use it. His experience in the conduct 



266 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



of large manufacturing interests, his knowledge 
of men, his patience of details, fitted him to 
be an organizer and administrator in Church 
movements. He was thus taught how to seize 
salient points; how to inspire courage; how to 
reconcile differences, and combine even dis- 
cordant forces for the production of the highest 
results. Then, in the early perception of his 
true relation to money — the personal expend- 
iture of it for the good of mankind — he could 
not but render himself, as his wealth increased, 
a growing and controlling power among men. 
It is sometimes said, to the disparagement of 
rich men, " They could not have, been what 
they were without their money." But it is only 
to their disparagement if their money was illy 
gotten and illy spent, or hoarded. Money is a 
prime necessity of human life. People may be 
saints, but cannot live on grace; howqver 
ethereal, they must come down to actual wants. 
Religion, for its buman progress, requires a 
metallic track. The Church is dependent upon 
money for the prosecution of its work; and 
hence it is ever ready to welcome the man who, 
possessed of large means, in the true spirit of 
the Master, who emptied himself of heavenly 
riches, comes forward and lays his wealth at the 
altar of religion and humanity. This was the 
spirit of William W. Cornell. " Many a time," 
said he, quite recently, during a collection at the 



Pillars est the Temple, 267 



Greene-street Church for the cause of city mis- 
sions. ;i have I given in this house the last cent 
I had in the world." When a young mechanic 
belonging to that Church, at one of the mis- 
sionary anniversaries, there was a good deal of 
enthusiasm; a collector passing down the aisle 
approached young Cornell and asked him what 
he would give : " Fifty dollars," was the prompt 
but modest reply. " Fifty dollars ! " said the 
collector, " that is too much for you." " I can 
give fifty dollars and have fifty left ! " was the 
firm answer. That was the end of the mat- 
ter, but it was not the end of the young man. 
This was ' the index of his future career. 
Thenceforth his hands were ever extended, 
both publicly and privately, to all persons and 
all causes that commended themselves to his 
judgment. 

It is now easy to see what gave him his as- 
cendency. He possessed the true elements of 
command, and only needed the opportunity. 
God had prepared the man ; but where was his 
place ? The opportunity soon came. The New 
York City Sunday-School and Missionary So- 
ciety had been in existence for many years, and 
had accomplished some good work — in giving 
birth to the Sunday-School "Union of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and in bringing together 
the Sunday-school teachers of Methodism in Xew 
York to listen to occasional addresses, and so 



26S 



Pillars in the Temple. 



promoting unity and emulation in the work — 
but it lacked force and money. It had no 
organizing and vitalizing soul ; it had no friends 
of large views and equally large means. Here 
and there, in one or two detached spots, it had 
sought to sustain mission schools, but the work, 
though good, was feeble and wholly inadequate 
to the wants of the city, and not at all what, even 
as a beginning, the hour required. Methodism 
had made some noble efforts for expansion 
within a few years under the generous benefac- 
tions of Mr. Henry J. Baker and others, but, on 
the whole, was not doing its duty to any class 
of the population. The members of this society 
as well as others felt the urgent need of some- 
more decided aggressive measures, and in look- 
ing around for a leader, all turned to Mr. 
Cornell as the suitable person. It was agreed 
that his experience as a Sunday-school laborer, 
his sympathy with the poor, his rapidly accu- 
mulating income, his liberality in giving, his 
unaffected and genuine piety and eminent exec- 
utive ability, would fully qualify him for the 
position. He was accordingly elected president 
of the society in the spring of 1S65. After a 
little hesitation — for the post, with such views 
of official responsibility as he entertained, in- 
volved a great deal of mental and physical 
labor — he accepted the office, and entered 
promptly upon its duties, dividing his time be- 



Pillars in the Temple. 269 



tween the superintendeney of the Washington 
Square school and the schools of the mission. 
Xew life was speedily infused into the organiza- 
tion, and it began to assume larger propor- 
tions, and to show unusual activity. At the 
close of the first year there were six schools, 
with one hundred and seventeen officers and 
teachers, and one thousand one hundred and 
ninety-three scholars under the care of the 
mission. * 

In 1S66 the society obtained a charter, and 
applied to the Xew York and New York East 
Conferences for preachers to take charge of the 
work, and to impart a thorough Church organ- 
ization to it. Mr. Cornell, as a manager of the 
New York City Mission and Tract Society — a 
general organization comprising all evangelical 
Christians — had seen the embarrassment arising 
from the want of pastors for the poor. That 
society does not propose to Church any body, 
but so soon as man, woman, or child is con- 
verted through its agency, he or she is directed 
by the missionaries or teachers to the nearest 
evangelical Church for membership and pastoral 
care. It is easy to see how impracticable such 
a process is ; what a chilling effect it must have 
upon a poor person to be turned out of the little 
nursery where the first experience of divine and 
human love may have been felt, to find a 
Church home among strangers from whom 



270 



Pillars est the Temple. 



there can hardly be expected a proper affection 
and a sufficient!}' tender consideration. Pastors, 
then, the parents and children of our missions 
should have — men whom they can love, and 
with whom they can feel at home in their own 
spiritual birth-places. Such was Mr. Cornell's 
reasoning : it was thoroughly Wesleyan, and the 
sequel has proved its wisdom. Two efficient 
ministers were accordingly appointed, and have 
been continued in charge as superintendents 
until this time. The report for the year closing 
with 1S66 shows there were ten schools, 187 offi- 
cers and teachers, and 1,862 scholars — a gain of 
four schools, TO officers and teachers, and 669 
scholars. On the first of May, 1866, there was 
one organized Church society, with two classes 
and thirty-seven members. On December 31, 
1866, there were six regular Church societies, 
with ten classes numbering 277 members and 
probationers. The missionary pastors and their 
assistants visited 15,728 families: distributed 
22,390 pages of tracts ; preached 332 sermons ; 
held 271 prayer-meetings and 191 class-meet- 
ings, attended 38 funerals, and baptized S7 
persons. During the year several of the mis- 
sions became self-supporting, and gave handsome 
sums to the society for the help of less prosper- 
ous missions in other parts of the city. The 
total receipts of the treasurer from all sources 
during the year were 831,853 72, an increase of 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



271 



$29,472 5S over the previous year. Two mis- 
sion chapels, costing $20,622, were erected and 
paid for, and became the permanent property 
of the society. One of these, the beautiful 
chapel on West Thirty-fifth-street, with its 
ground costing SH,201 64, was the gift of the 
president, and only a part of what he con- 
tributed for the year. 

The year 1867 was even more prosperous. 
Two additional regular pastors were appointed, 
from the Conferences. The society year was 
extended from J anuary to March ; and in March, 
1868, the report shows, 12 schools, 292 officers 
and teachers, and 2,985 scholars, 11 Church 
organizations, 28 classes, numbering 712 mem- 
bers and probationers — the gain for the year 
being 1,228 officers, teachers," and scholars, and 
465 Church members. The receipts for the 
fourteen months amounted to §65,766 95, being 
an increase over the year 1866 of 833,913 23: 
and the total property possessed, clear of all 
indebtedness, $71,600. The report not only 
abounds in full information as to work and re- 
sults, but also is adorned with admirable cuts 
of the new chapels either completed or projected. 

The year ending March, 1869, was crowned 
with equal success. A new and handsome church 
was erected on Perry-street and paid for; anew 
school was started on West Forty-fourth-street, 
which was soon after merged into St. Luke's 



272 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Church. The estimated value of the property 
for this rear was a total of $128,300 ; and ex- 
penses for the year $56,355 06. This last sum 
was inclusive of sums raised by the schools and 
expended for their own benefit. In every de- 
partment there was the same increase. The 
annual report pays the following tribute to 
the president, who, it should be remembered, 
was the motive power of all this work : " The 
president of the society, by his thorough devo- 
tion to its interests, his presence in the meetings 
of committees and of the board, his promptness 
of action in all the departments of the work, and 
by his large liberality, has inspired the whole 
movement with energy and confidence/' Dur- 
ing the year 1869 the Perry-street and the St. 
Luke's Church were separated from the mission, 
with a loss to the society of 325 Church mem- 
bers and 728 pupils ; and still the property of the 
Society, by an abstract of the report of March, 
1S70, was $145,902, the Church membership 
559. the Sunday-School . membership 3.233, 
and the total expenditures 830,514 43. Nine 
missionaries were wholly or partly employed. 
During the last four years the society raised and 
expended in its noble work 6193,509 83. While 
liberal collections were taken in most if not all 
the Methodist Churches toward this sum, yet the 
bulk of it was given by the president. One hun- 
dred thousand dollars stand in his own name, 



Pillars in the Temple. 



273 



besides the various gifts which he made privately 
or in the names of others. And the amounts 
which he contributed to this cause were but a 
part of what he gave, For five years past he 
contributed to various benevolent objects not 
less than $250,000. He knew no partiality, had 
no pet schemes, rode no hobbies, but his charity, 
like the sun, shone alike upon all, and cheered 
every measure with its beams. 

The City Sunday-School and Missionary So- 
ciety remains the grandest work of his life and 
the noblest monument of his memory. His 
sudden death well-nigh stunned his fellow-la- 
borers ; but, recovering from the shock, they are 
showing their sorrow for him by rising to the 
grandeur of his conceptions, with the determi- 
nation that his plans shall be pushed to comple- 
tion. They have elected a layman of financial 
skill and sterling worth as president, and two 
rising young men as vice-presidents, and the 
new year emerges auspiciously from the dark 
depression with which the death of the late 
President enshrouded the closing of the last. 

No greater seeming calamity could have be- 
fallen New York Methodism than the fall of 
this wise and good man at this juncture. It is 
impossible wholly to conjecture the possibilities 
of good to our cause which were wrapped up in 
him, in view of his comprehensive benevolence 
in connection with a business the prospective 
18 



274 



Pillars est the Temple. 



growth of which cannot well be calculated. 
Already counting his yearly income by hun- 
dreds of thousands, he would soon, in all prob- 
ability, have been able to dispense hundreds of 
thousands in charities. He leaves no son old 
enough to carry forward his work ; but. happily 
tor the Church, he leaves a brother, the senior 
partner of the firm, jvho. with his son, sympa- 
thizes in the grand aims of the departed saint ; 
while through all the ranks of the Church his 
self-sacrificing zeal must kindle an enthusiasm 
hitherto unknown and unfelt. 

Mr. William TV. Cornell affords one of the most 
beautiful examples of a man sprung from the 
common people. He was in the proper sense 
self-made. Modest almost to diffidence, he yet 
knew how to go forward at the call of duty, and 
never allowed a false self-distrust to weaken his 
hands, or to abate his enterprise. "Diligent in 
business, fervent in spirit, serving 'the Lord." was 
peculiarly his rule of life. In endeavoring to 
analyze his character it is hard to determine 
where to begin. He looks best as a whole ; 
indeed, his eminence was in the admirable com- 
bination of faculties and graces. There was 
such a happy poise of attributes that you could 
scarcely think upon one distinctively, before 
yon saw another immediately coming to view 
for recognition, and modifying it. His caution 
would strike any observer, and you would 



Pillars in the Temple. 275 



hasten to write him a conservative ; but before 
the word was formed you would be quite as 
ready to rate him a radical. By his strong 
common sense he was such a discerner of human 
character that you would have thought he 
could trust but few if any persons ; and yet so 
abounding was his charity that he seemed to 
trust all men. He once said he rarely if ever 
had his confidence misplaced. His good heart, 
full of generous affections, rendered him 
hopeful of his race. And this hopefulness, 
with his trust in the Saviour, his habitual de- 
pendence upon Divine Providence, and the con- 
stant sense of thorough integrity of motive 
which he maintained, imparted to him great 
cheerfulness and uniformity of temper. u What 
you saw him once," said his wife, " you saw 
him always ; he was ever the same, whether 
alone with his family or in company." 

He had a genius for Sunday-schools. In 
soul he was a perfect child, and this all children 
under his care knew and felt. He would stoop 
to them, talk with them, treat them in such a 
tender, loving way that he would go straight 
into their hearts, and their eyes would sparkle 
with delight. Yet he could be firm when occa- 
sion for discipline required ; and, farthest from 
relying wholly upon his gentleness and love for 
success, he was, as a superintendent, one of the 
most diligent of students. He studied himself 



276 



Pillars en the Temple 



and urged bis teachers to study; dilatoriness 
and ignorance under the mask of good inten- 
tions received no countenance from him. In 
all respects he was one of the most industrious 
of men. His industry and intelligence were 
reciprocal in their action ; he knew how to work, 
and he worked as one who knew the worth of 
work. As the president of the Sunday-School 
and Missionary Society he did extraordinarily 
well, because he understood the situation, and 
the body of the society simply followed its head. 
His sound judgment illumined every point it 
touched. 

When fitting up parsonages for the first mis- 
sionaries appointed, it was remarked, "Why, you 
are making them very fine." "Yes," said he. 
u who should have better? "When men have 
been all day visiting among the sick and 
wretched they ought to have the most inviting 
homes to come to.'' Was there ever a truer 
philosophy ? His conscience not only obliged 
him to give, but Wisdom said, " Give cheer- 
fully, and give while you live/' If he had any 
maxim at all it was, " Do now what you have 
to do." On one occasion I heard him remark in 
a little address, " People say to me sometimes 
I am giving too much — that I am injuring my- 
self and my family. I tell them I keep my own 
accounts, and I know just how they stand, and 
that I am better oil every year." And this 



Pillars in the Temple. 



277 



same sound judgment which prompted him to 
be the dispenser of his own money, showed also 
the altar at which it was kindled, and that he 
not only gave his means while he lived, but 
labored personally for the salvation of souls. 
"While bestowing his thoughts upon great plans, 
and expending vast sums for their execution, he 
was not content to sit at home and leave others 
to reap the rich harvests of happiness which are 
to be gathered only in the contact of strug- 
gling souls. ISTo man was more at home in a 
revival, or rejoiced with more exquisite joy in 
the conversion of penitents. One of the last 
efforts he made before his fatal illness, an ill- 
ness induced by an attendance upon a protracted 
meeting, was to urge a prominent member of 
the congregation at Washington Heights to be 
reconciled to God. One of the last cups of 
blessing put to his lips, was to know on earth 
that his youngest child, his only son, had united 
with the Church. And if he could have indi- 
cated a choice no prayers and no songs would 
have been more grateful to him in death than 
those of his little children. 

A group of heroic men have lately died. All 
of them were yet in the fullness of their powers 
and usefulness: but none among them can be 
more missed in the several spheres of labor 
and friendship to which they were called than 
William W, Cornell in his, As one after an- 



278 



Pillars in the Temple. 



other in quick succession they were summoned 
away, we said, "How can he be spared?" 
Alas, God has taken M'Clintock, Thomson, 
Kingsley, Foss, and Cornell, too ! But in fall- 
ing, their ripe souls have scattered seeds which 
shall spring up in ever- widening harvests ; hun- 
dreds and thousands shall be reproduced to mul- 
tiply their lives and extend their influence. 

We close with this just tribute to Mr. Cornell 
from a letter of Bishop Janes, written March 
19th : " 1 feel very sad indeed at the intelli- 
gence of his decease. He was so simple, so 
devoted, so liberal — one of the noblest laymen 
in the excellent ranks of Methodism — peerless 
among good men and useful men, and, indeed, 
great men. Great indeed is the loss of the 
Church. 53 

There may be nothing in a name; but the 
same cannot be said of faces. 'No one could 
have looked at the face of William W. Cornell, 
and not felt involuntarily, " There is a good 
man." His countenance was the very expres- 
sion of benignity. " I like to see that gentleman 
around," said an observing person, "he has 
such a good face." While a placid grace was the 
element in which all other elements resolved 
themselves, yet it was not difficult to distinguish 
the subordinate lights and shades of a face which 
was the index of a mind remarkable for its 
union of noble qualities. There was the large. 



Pillars m the Temple. 



279 



full Lead ; the ample forehead, indicative of 
breadth of understanding ; the deep, quiet, blue 
eye, with its thoughtful and generous look, 
which seemed to say to every body, " I see 
through yon, but I love yon still ; " and the 
gently compressed month, which silently spoke 
of purpose in union with reason and forbear- 
ance. That face, lovely to thousands, welcome 
every-where, equally on the mart of business 
and in the assemblies of religion, is now 
gone. TTe shall look no more upon its moral 
beauty. 

He calmly fell asleep in Jesus at his late resi- 
dence on Washington Heights, in New York 
city, surrounded by his weeping family, on the 
17th of March, 1870. Thus he died in his full 
strength, with his mental and physical vigor 
unabated, in his forty-eighth year. His faith 
was triumphant in the sick and dying hour. 
He seemed to be conscious to the last, although 
the nature of his disease forbade much conver- 
sation. 

The morning before he passed away, in the 
presence of two of his brothers, he expressed 
some anxiety for his family, when they replied 
to him, "Trust in God, and we will look to the 
interests of your family." Appearing to real- 
ize what was said, he was at once quieted and 
satisfied. Near the last of his earthly stay, the 
family group sang to him, "Let me go, 'tis 



280 



PlLLAES I1S T THE TEMPLE. 



Jesus calls me," which he seemed to enjoy very 
much ; and his physician said if he were a mem- 
ber of the family he would not part with the 
assurances which the dying man gave of his 
eternal safety for any earthly consideration. 
Often he repeated, " AH is right ! " and at one 
time lifted his hand and exclaimed, " Nearer 
home ! " Thus, trusting and triumphing, he 
passed into the joy of his Lord. 



KOBEET HENRY. 

EGBERT HENRY was born in County 
) Armagh, Ireland, in 1813. He w r as con- 
verted to God in early youth, and soon gave 
promise of great usefulness. When but a boy 
of fifteen he was appointed a class-leader in the 
Methodist Society, with which for forty-one 
years he was connected. For thirty years he 
was an honored, exemplary, and useful member 
of theBedford-street Methodist Episcopal Church 
in New York city. With great ability and credit 
he filled the offices of trustee and leader, w T as an 
active and faithful worker in the Sunday-school, 
and at the time of his death had charge of a 
large Bible-class* of young men, to the mem- 

* The portraits of the members of his Bible-class, arid highly 
complimentary resolutions passed by tire Official Boards of i lie 



Pillars ik the Temple. 



281 



bers of which he was tenderly and affectionately 
attached. In the home circle he was peculiarly 
happy, and in his domestic relations, as husband 
and father, was loving, tender, and considerate, 
Brother Henry was a man of very marked indi- 
viduality — a fine specimen of true manhood. 
With no pretension to genius, no brilliant parts, 
no creative imagination, lie was a man of strong 
natural sense, of sound and vigorous under- 
standing, of firm purpose, laborious diligence ; 
a man with a clear head, large heart, pure 
habits, simple tastes, combining tenderness with 
power. He was an honest, upright, virtuous 
man, true to his trust, true to himself, true to 
his God. 

As a man of business he displayed extraordi- 
nary energy, and by his own unaided effort 
succeeded in building up and establishing an 
extensive manufacturing interest, of which he 
was the chief partner and moving spring. The 
motto of his life was that of a celebrated mer- 
chant, recorded in his diary, 6 - The longer I live 
the more certain I am that the great difference 
between men, between the feeble and the power- 
ful, the great and the insignificant, is energy* 
invincible determination, a purpose once fixed, 

Church, beautifully engrossed and elegantly framed, were pre- 
sented to Mrs. Henry, and uow adorn the parlor walls of her 
pleasant home in isew York city. They are beautiful memen- 
toes to the memory of a good man. • 



282 Pillaes m the Temple. 



and then death or victory. This quality will do 
any thing that can be done in this world, and 
no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities, 
will ever make a human creature a man with- 
out it." This spirit characterized all his life, 
political, social, religious. Indeed, so pronounced 
and positive was he that his unalterable pur- 
pose was sometimes mistaken for positive 
obstinacy. His was a strong, massive, man-of- 
war-like soul, driving on, like a floating fortress, 
to the peril of all intervening obstacles. Such a 
strong, rock-like man would seem to be stern and 
forbidding to some, but no man was gentler 
and kinder than he. Like the rock struck by the 
prophet, he could send forth from his inner self 
living water, sparkling as the glance of a child, 
clear as purity of heart, sweet as goodness and 
love. 

Brother Henry was powerful in prayer. He 
deemed that the kingdom of heaven suffereth 
violence, and the violent take it by force ; and 
so in the supplications with Israel's God he 
wrestled like a very Jacob in all the litanies of 
prayer until he became a conquering prince. 
He was mighty in the Scriptures. It was the 
joy of his life, whether at home or in the midst 
of his Bible-class, to search the Scriptures, for 
in them he found the words of eternal life. He 
not only read, but studied the word of God, 
comparing Scripture with Scripture, proving 



Pillars in the Temple. 



283 



one passage by another, and thus making the 
Bible its own interpreter. Brother Henry was 
a Bible Christian. " The word 5 ' was the basis, 
bond, and bulwark of his religious life. His was 
not a sentimental piety, an ephemeral religion, 
a nominal faith. He had a reason for the hope 
that was in him, and was able to give it. He 
knew in whom he believed ; he knew what he 
believed ; he knew why he believed. His w r as 
the true religious positivism. He grasped and 
clinched, as with a giant's hold, the doctrines of 
our holy faith ; especially that sublime, central 
truth of an all-sufficient Saviour and a Saviour 
sufficient for all. 

Brother Henry was a thorough Methodist in 
doctrine, in spirit, in rule. Ascribing all he 
was, under God, to its benign influence, he was 
very tenacious of the old usages, and not a little 
jealous lest the old-fashioned fire should deteri- 
orate into the painted flame of a modern form- 
alism. To such a life, under the inspiration 
of such a Christian faith, there could be but one 
earthly termination— that of complete triumph. 
For him to live was Christ, and to die was gain. 
Living, he lived unto the Lord ; dying, he died 
unto the Lord. Whether, therefore, living or 
dying, he was the Lord's. 

He approached the grave like a calm con- 
queror — not afraid, not even worried, not dis- 
tressed, not perplexed ; he knew in whom he 



284 Pillars in the Temple. 

believed, and was persuaded He was able to 
keep that which he had committed to him. He 
often said, " If this be dying, it is sweet to 
die." By nature not given at all to vague 
fancies, he looked aloft with holy confidence, 
and with almost expiring breath exclaimed, 
" I see a crown 1 " Surrounded by the loving 
family group, affectionately ministering to the 
dying saint, he could say, 

"In peace I now resign my breath, 

And thy salvation see ; 
My sins deserve eternal death ; 

But Jesus died for me." 

He died as he lived, a conquering prince 
unto God. " Blessed are the dead which die in 
the Lord ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
rest from their labors ; and their works do fol- 
low them." 

He died in Yonkers, September 16, 1869, in 
the fifty-sixth year of his age. 



GEORGE T. COBB. 

G1EOBGE T. COBB was born in Morristown, 
T K J., October 13, 1813. His family were 
resident in .New Jersey before the Revolution, 
and shared in the toils and the triumphs of the 
early history of the State. His grandfather 



Pillars in the Temple. 



285 



was an officer in the army of Washington, and 
fought in thirteen battles of the Revolutionary 
war, beginning with the battle of Monmouth, 
and ending with the siege of Torktown, and 
the capture of Cornwallis. 

When Mr. Cobb was a child three years of 
age, his father died ; three years after this he 
also lost his mother. Thus at the tender age of 
six years he was an orphan. When he became 
thirteen or fourteen years old he engaged as 
clerk in a store in the village of Denville, in 
his native county, where, young as he was, he 
showed the germs of the character which after- 
ward grew so beautiful and strong. His integ- 
rity, efficiency, and prudence attracted attention, 
and as he grew older his prospects improved. 
He finally removed to 'New York, and became 
first a clerk and then a partner in a business 
house engaged in the iron trade. Here his 
industry and ability were crowned with great 
success, and some years before his death he was 
enabled to retire to his native town in the pos- 
session of an ample fortune fairly and honestly 
acquired. 

When a boy he was remarkable for his in- 
dustry, whether engaged in physical labor or in 
the acquisition of knowledge. .He attended 
school at the old academy in Morristown, and 
enjoyed for a time the best advantages which 
the town in those days afforded. At this period 



286 



Pillars in the Temple, 



lie laid the foundation of a solid English educa- 
tion, which, with his subsequent private study 
and reading, enabled him to grasp and master 
thoroughly all the great problems of public and 
private life with which he was afterward called 
to deal. He excelled as an arithmetician; and. 
the mathematical cast of his mind was apparent 
throughout his whole life, for he always seized 
at once the strong points of the subject before 
him, and drew his inferences with remark- 
able rapidity and accuracy. It was his custom 
to observe every important point which a 
speaker whom he might hear suggested, and, 
when traveling, he frequently carried some book 
of a high order of thought and information, 
with which to improve his leisure moments. 
Thus he grew to a mental stature of great 
wisdom, of thorough information, and of won- 
derful ability to apply his knowledge to the 
practical uses of life. 

In 1836 he was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary Ann Sargent, of Morristown, whose sym- 
pathies and wise counsels in all his great projects 
he was permitted to enjoy to the close of his 
life, and who, with an only daughter, survive 
to mourn their great and irreparable loss. Two 
years after his marriage he was converted, and 
joined the old Vestry-street Methodist Episco- 
pal Church in New York city, and was baptized 
by the late Dr. Dempster. Afterward he re- 



Pillars in the Femple. 



moved with his family to Morristown, his native 
place, where he spent the residue of his days, 
and devoted himself largely to the welfare of 
the Church of the town, and of the State. For 
several years before his death he filled a prom- 
inent place in every great enterprise, and in 
Xew Jersey no man enjoyed more of the con- 
fidence of the whole people than George T. Cobb. 

In 1860 Mr. Cobb was elected member of 
Congress from the Fourth District of Xew Jer- 
sey. When the war began he forgot party ties 
at the call of patriotism and duty, and, with 
Closes F. Odell and other kindred spirits, rallied 
to the support of the Government in those first 
years of doubt and peril, and was one of the 
firmest supporters and most valued counselors 
of President Lincoln. At the end of his term 
of service a renoinination was offered him, but 
the party convention had passed a series of 
resolutions not in accordance with his views of 
right and duty, and he declined. That his 
fellow-citizens honored him for his course is 
proved by the fact that he was shortly afterward 
elected State senator, and at the end of the 
three years' term was re-elected. He was also 
chosen mayor of Morristown at the first charter 
election, and held the office as long as he would 
consent to a re-election. He was a man of 
mark, both in personal appearance and in the 
controlling elements of his character. 



288 Pillars in the Temple. 



He was above the medium height, and well 
proportioned; his complexion was clear and 
somewhat pale; his high forehead showed all 
the marks of large 'intellectuality ; his month 
characterized him as firm, and his clear, black 
eyes, which looked upon one with so much 
complacency, were large and very piercing, and 
gave a peculiar brilliancy to his whole counte- 
nance. When in health, his whole appearance 
was noble, commanding, and impressive. He 
was direct in his methods of securing an object. 
Whatever he undertook to do, he did with all 
his might. When aroused, he seemed to com- 
bine in himself the power of a dozen ordinary 
men, and an obstacle which he did not over- 
come might well be called insurmountable. He 
was often overworked and very weary, but his 
industry never flagged. His friends often urged 
him to stop, but he felt that the demands upon 
him were such that he knew not where to stop. 
His convictions of right were very strong, and 
when convinced that his course was right he 
could not be moved from it. A political friend 
of Mr. Cobb relates the following incident : 
" 'Not very long ago Mr. Cobb was engaged in 
carrying through some public measures which 
his friends thought would injure him in the 
estimation of the people. His friend approached 
him and said, c Mr. Cobb, the course you are 
pursuing in this matter is probably right, but 



Pillars in the Temple. 



2S9 



you are making many opponents by it, and, for 
your own sake, I wish you would stop pushing 
your plans any further.' Mr. Cobb looked at 
his friend and replied, 4 You don't know me or 
you would not say that. I have examined this 
matter carefully, and I am sure I am right, and 
it shall be carried through, though I should be 
crushed in doing it.' " He combined in harmo- 
nious proportions characteristics so opposite 
that they are rarely found in the same person. 
With an iron will, he had the gentleness and 
simplicity of a child ; with a lion-like courage, 
he was one of the most modest and retiring of 
men ; with the most accurate attention to the 
minutest details of business, he bestowed his 
money with the most lavish generosity, having 
given away within twelve years two hundred 
thousand dollars. While giving much of his 
time to public affairs, he was thoroughly devoted 
to his home and to the Church. When in the 
home circle, surrounded by his friends, with the 
cares of life thrown off, he was a most charming 
and entertaining companion. His home was a 
delightful place, where his friends loved -to 
gather and to linger. He was truly a great 
man, and when we think of his sudden fall, we 
are led to exclaim, " How is the strong staff 
broken, and the beautiful rod ! " 

Few men have had a more profound convic- 
tion of the value of Christian churches and 

19 



290 



Pillars ust the Temple. 



ministers of the Gospel than Mr. Cobb. He 
gave a large part of his time for the last four 
years of his life to the erection of the magnifi- 
cent Methodist Episcopal church in Morris- 
town, which will long stand as a monument of 
his liberality and of his devotion to the cause 
of Christ ; and although he was taken away 
before the completion of the Sunday school 
room and the lecture-room, yet he was permitted 
before his death to oversee all the plans which 
were to be carried out, and thus, by anticipation, 
to finish the great work which lay so near his 
heart. To the ministers of the Gospel he was 
a model of attachment and kindness, and always 
spoke of them in terms of affectionate regard. 
The itinerant always found a warm welcome at 
his home, not only from him but from every 
member of the family. 

The seven years preceding his decease he was 
the superintendent of the Sabbath-school, per- 
forming the duties of his office with a punctual- 
ity, intelligence, and efficiency seldom seen in 
one so immersed in cares and labors. He did 
his work with an enthusiasm and a tender re- 
gard for the children which won their love, and 
made him the most honored and respected of 
superintendents. Nowhere, outside of his own 
family circle, will his memory be more faithfully 
cherished than in the hearts of the teachers and 
scholars of the Sabbath-school. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



291 



Among the children lie was always happy, 
and, however weary he might be, he found in 
the company of the little ones rest and recupera- 
tion. To see him among them at Christmas, 
when he gave to every child and teacher a 
beautiful present, was to see him in his hap- 
piest mood ; and the annual gatherings of the 
officers and teachers of the Sunday-school at his 
house, to consult on the interests of the school, 
and to partake of his large hospitality, will not 
soon be forgotten. His memory will be pre- 
cious, not only for his princely liberality toward 
so many noble enterprises, and for his devotion 
to so many good causes, but for what he was in 
himself. He was a good man. He loved 
Christ, and he loved his cause. Jesus was his 
entire trust for salvation, and the book of God 
was, his infallible system of theology. He 
thought much of the other world, the home of 
the blessed ; and, I doubt not, when the summons 
came, he was ready to go and join the dear ones 
of his household who had preceded him over 
the river. " Only just across the river, 53 and 
" Good-night, good-night till we meet in the 
morning," were the pieces which he gave out 
and sang with the Sunday-school the last Sunday 
he met with them. His favorite piece in Sunday- 
school was : 

" Let me die in the harness, let me die in the work, 
In the work my Master has given me to do." 



292 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



He did die in the harness, for he ceased at 
once to work and live. He passed away in the 
maturity of his powers and in the midst of his 
usefulness. He has gone to join his children in 
the better world, there to await his dear ones 
who remain below. He rests from his labors, 
and his works do follow him. His life was a 
great success, and long after his body shall 
have moldered into dust, the monuments of his 
industry, his integrity, his liberality, and his 
Christianity will survive. 

Some years ago his health became impaired 
through his incessant attention to business, yet 
so fixed were his habits of activity that he 
seemed unable to escape from care and labor. 
Unnumbered calls from various quarters, as 
well as the promptings of his own restless spirit, 
kept him hard at work. But he felt at last, a 
few months before his death, that he must yield 
and seek rest. For this purpose lie spent some 
weeks at the White Sulphur Springs during the 
months of ^lay and June. 1370, and then came 
home, purposing to return thither as soon as lie 
could arrange to do so. On the 5th of August 
he again left ilorristown for the Springs, and at 
half-past nine o'clock on the evening of the 6th, 
when within seven or eight miles of his jour- 
ney's end. the train, in passing over a deep 
ravine, met with a disaster. The car in which 
Mr. Cobb and his friend, John Boyd Headley, 



Pillars m the Temple. 



293 



the eldest son of the late Colonel Samuel F. 
Headley, of Morristown, were seated, was 
hurled from the track into the rocky abyss 
below, and they, with nine others, were instant- 
ly killed. 

On Wednesday, August 10, the bodies of the 
honored dead reached Morristown, and were 
received at the depot by an immense crowd of 
sorrowing citizens, amid the tolling of the bells 
of all the churches of the place. 

On Friday his funeral, in connection with 
that of Mr. Headley, took place in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church of Morristown, amid 
the tears of a community overwhelmed by 
the great sorrow. The town and the church 
were draDed with tokens of mourning. The 
Governor of New Jersey and many distinguished 
citizens, as well as ministers, were present to pay 
the tribute of respect. Private funeral services 
were held at the house of each of the bereaved 
families, after which the united public services 
took place in the church, in charge of the 
pastor, Eev. J. K. Burr, and appropriate 
addresses were delivered by Eev. Bishop 
Janes, Eev. J. A. French, and Eev. Dr. J. T. 
Crane. 

As Mr. Cobb was president of the Newark 
Conference Camp-Meeting Association, memo- 
rial services were held on the camp-ground, near 
Denville, on Friday afternoon, August 19, when 



294 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE 



Bishop Janes, in a very able and exhaustive 
address, sketched the life of Mr. Cobb, and 
commended his life to the young as a model of 
Christian manhood. The Bishop was followed 
by Bev. A. Atwood. of Philadelphia, an old pas- 
tor and friend of the family, who showed how 
very gre&tly the delightful home influences with 
which Mr. Cobb had been favored had con- 
tributed to his successful career. The last ad- 
dress was made by Bev. J. T. Crane. D.D,. who 
had been his pastor for three years, and who 
regarded it as a privilege to bear testimony to 
the virtues of one of the greatest, purest, and 
best of men and of friends he had ever been 
permitted to meet. 

Brother Cobb was a man of strong and worthy 
traits of character, and the times in which lie 
lived did not lack opportunities to call them 
forth into the light. In his public life lie was 
eminently faithful, honest, and influential for 
good. It is not undue praise to say that he 
possessed the elements of a genuine statesman. 
He had a comprehensive mind, a prompt, ac- 
curate judgment, strength and steadiness of 
purpose, courage to deal with great questions, a 
mental vision which lost sight of nothing which 
might conduce to success, and an industry which 
never rested while any thing remained to b£ 
done. These qualities, united with uncompro- 
mising integrity, made him powerful wherever 



Pillars in the Temple. 



295 



he was placed, and won public confidence for 
every thing which he undertook. In Congress 
he was conscientious, patriotic, and fearless. In 
the State Senate he studied every legislative 
measure as if he felt personally responsible for 
all that was done ; nor did even the remorseless 
tongue of partisan detraction dare to insinuate 
that selfish considerations ever controlled his 
action. 

Every street of his native place bears wit- 
ness of his liberality. The Female Seminary 
owes its existence largely to his instrument- 
ality. The new and beautiful public school 
building stands on grounds which he donated 
for the purpose, and large additional dona- 
tions in money aided in the erection of the 
edifice. The noble church in which the fune- 
ral services was held was erected mainly 
through his liberality. The cemetery where 
his remains rest is his gift to his native 
town. 2sor did his generous nature exhaust 
itself in these broad streams of beneficence. 
It traversed the whole community in a thou- 
sand rivulets of well-doing. Xo man, woman, 
or child ever went to him with a worthy 
claim for aid in trouble and was turned away 
empty. 

As a member of the Church of Christ he was 
clear in his views, decided in his convictions, 
consistent in his daily conduct, and liberal of 



296 



Pillars in the Temple. 



time, moneys and labor in all good enterprises. 
"While a class-leader, and at the same time im- 
mersed in business pursuits, he would often 
leave his store' at the close of a weary day, and, 
forgetting his evening meal, go past his own 
house to the church to meet the little band 
waiting; for him there. 

Mr. Cobb was eminently a man of action ; 
ardent, unwearied, strong of purpose, full of 
plans and hopes, watching closely the current of 
events in the Church, the State, and the world, 
intensely interested to the last, and ready to lay 
hold with a resolute hand wherever there was 
an opportunity to accomplish something worth 
the doing. Yet those who knew him best know 
well that underneath all this courage, and en- 
ergy, and high hope, there was a vein of thought- 
fulness, and even sadness, and that in the midst 
of his best successes, in business pursuits or po- 
litical contests, tnere was a deep and settled 
conviction that without the smile of God all is 
but " vanity and vexation of spirit," and that 
divine peace is the best riches, and heaven the 
best aim of human life. Though death came to 
him suddenly we doubt not that he was prepared 
for it, and that he now rests with Him for the 
advancement of whose kingdom he delighted 
to labor with all the ardor of his fervent 
nature. 

The following shows the esteem in which lie 



Pillars in the Temple. 



297 



was held by the State Senate, of which he was 
an honored member : 

" The tragic and mournful death of the late 
GL T. Cobb, an honored member of the New 
Jersey Senate, was made the subject of a special 
meeting of that body on the 25th nit. Mr. 
Beech, the successor of the deceased, read a 
paper briefly sketching his personal history, and 
presenting a discriminating and highly appre- 
ciative view of his private and public life. He 
was followed by Senator Little, who, though a 
political opponent, was an earnest personal friend 
of his late colleague, and spoke con amove of his 
great worth, especially of his sagacious states- 
manship, his conscientious fidelity as a man and 
a legislator, his great energy and industry, his 
large-hearted benevolence, his noble Christian 
character, and his devotion to his Church, etc., 
in a strain which showed a much more than 
ordinary friendship for the subject of his eulogy. 
He was followed by Senators Terry, Hopkins, 
Taylor, Nixon, and Settle, all of whom spoke in 
a manner befitting Christian legislators on so 
solemn an Occasion. There was evidently a 
hearty agreement in relation to the thorough 
manliness, great ability, unswerving integrity, 
and high Christian character of the man whose 
memory they had met to honor. It was affirmed 
by Mr. Little that his advocacy of the rights of 
the State in a single particular, as against both 



298 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



the legislature and the judiciary, resulted in a 
victory which had saved to the State a property 
worth at present a million and a half of dollars, 
with a much greater prospective value. 'I am 
cognizant of facts which prove him to have been 
one of the purest and most incorruptible of men, 
qualifications altogether too rare in the public 
men of the clay, and in this respect the loss of 
his example is a real calamity.' " 

He died near White Sulphur Springs, Vir- 
ginia, August 6, 1870. " Blessed are the dead 
which die in the Lord from henceforth : Tea, 
saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their 
labors : and their works do follow them." 

■ - — — — - 

THEODORE B. STOUT. 

mHEODORE B. STOUT, the eldest son of 
L Andrew V. and Almira H. Stout, was born 
in the city of i^ew York, January 8, 1839. 

One of the richest boons a beneficent Provi- 
dence ever confers on a human being was abun- 
dantly granted to the subject of this narrative: 
I refer to Christian parentage. 

The seeds of true piety sown in the virgin 
soil of his young mind by a devoted Christian 
father, were watered and carefully cultivated 
by the affectionate assiduity of a most excellent 



jPlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



299 



Christian mother. The fruit gladdened the 
heart of the parents and blessed the Church and 
the world. His early religious training was 
most loving, faithful, and influential. From his 
earliest years he manifested great precocity and 
rare beauty of character. By the blessing of 
God upon his parents' fidelity to their beloved 
son he was led, when but a child, to give his 
heart to God, and, professing faith in Christ, 
was admitted to membership in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He now felt that " he must 
be about his Master's business," and with gutrue 
Christian zeal began at once to work for God. 

When about eighteen years of age he was a 
junior partner in a mercantile firm, which failed 
before he was twenty-one years old, having 
heavy liabilities. The firm compromised with 
their creditors at fifty cents on a dollar, leaving 
all the members of the firm in debt for borrowed 
money to pay a part of this fifty per cent. 

Having a very active and enterprising mind, 
he resolutely set to work, determining, if ever 
he was able, he would pay his debts, notwith- 
standing he was legally discharged from their 
obligations. 

About seven months before his death he had 
the satisfaction of realizing his long-wished-for 
ability to pay these obligations, and accordingly 
paid them, as will be seen by the following let- 
ters, which are given as a sample : 



300 PlLLARS EN THE TEMPIJfc 

"New York, January 28, 1ST0. 

To the President and Managers of the Society for the Rtforma* 

tion of Ju v e n i le Be linq uents. 

"Geistlemen: On the first of January. 1856, 
I entered into business under the firm of Stout. 
Warren, cfc Co. Our business was unfortu- 
nate, and we failed in about eighteen months, 
through the mistaken judgment of one of the 
elder partners, we owing you seven hundred 
dollars. The entire assets of the firm, as well 
as the individual property of the partners, were 
given up. which enabled us to make a dividend 
to our creditors. In December, 1859, your in- 
stitution put the balance of your claim into a 
judgment. Although I was a minor at the 
time, in 1866 I borrowed a sum of money, which, 
added to what the partners had made up at that 
time, enabled us to pay you fifty cents on the 
dollar on the amount of your judgment, which 
was then satisfied of record. In January. 1867, 
I formed my present partnership, have been 
successful, and made money. Ail the other 
partners of Stout. Warren, & Co. are still 
poor, and can do nothing. I now propose to 
pay you the full balance of your claim, with 
interest to date, although legally discharged 
from the obligation. The balance due the In- 
stitution is five hundred and twenty-one dollars 
and twenty cents. I inclose my check for 



Pillars in the Temple. 



301 



this amount, which please acknowledge by 
mail. Tours very truly, 

" T. B. Stout." 

The following resolution was at once adopted : 
" Resolved, That the communication from Mr. 
Stout be recorded in full on the minutes, and 
that the President acknowledge the receipt of 
the same, and the amount — five hundred and 
twenty-one dollars and twenty cents — with an ex- 
pression of the sentiments of the Board in ap- 
preciation of the honorable conduct of Mr. Stout 
in discharging this debt, after having been re- 
leased from all legal obligations to pay it. 

" Akdkew Warner, Secretary" 

" House of Refuge, N. T., February 5, 1870. 

" T. B. Stout, Esq., 

" Dear Sir : I have the pleasure to acknowl- 
edge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, 
addressed to the President and Managers of this 
Society, inclosing your check, payable to their 
order, for five hundred and twenty-one dollars 
and twenty cents, being in full for the balance 
of the judgments, with interest to date, obtained 
against the late firm of Stout, Warren, & Co., 
which was canceled of record more than three 
years since on the payment by you at that time 
of fifty cents on the dollar. 

" The highly honorable spirit evinced by you 



302 PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 



in thus discharging in full, with interest, a debt 
which you were not bound to pay, except from 
motives of true mercantile integrity, has im- 
pressed our Board so favorably, and been received 
with such expressions by them individually, and 
with such feelings of sincere and grateful recog- 
nition of your act, that it was deemed only just 
to you that it should receive this official testi- 
mony. I am, therefore, most happy in being 
the organ through whom the inclosed copy ot 
the resolution of the Board is transmitted to 
you, and thus to have an opportunity to ex- 
press at the same time my admiration individu- 
ally for your generous and honest action. 

" I am, with sentiments of respect, yours truly, 
" Oliver S. Strong-, President" 

The following communication is from another 
source : 

"Xbw York, February 5, 18*70. 

"Mr. T. B. Stout, 

" Dear Sir : You will allow me to thank vou 
for the manly and generous way that you have 
settled an old and discharged claim of Hoyt 
Brothers against the firm that you was once 
connected with. I never had the pleasure of 
knowing you personally until a few weeks ago, 
and the thought never occurred to me (until 
the reception of your letter) that you were one 
of the firm of Stout, Warren, & Co, 



Pillars m the Temple. 



303 



I need not tell you bow glad I was to find 
you so heartily at work in the Sunday-school, 
and so earnestly trying to help along the Church 
enterprise with which you are connected. I 
greatly rejoice in your prosperity, because I 
believe you will use it to advance the cause of 
pure and undefiled religion in the world. 
" Yours very truly. 

" Oliver Hoyt." 

We insert one more letter, which must suffice 
to show how strong was the principle of moral 
rectitude which governed this God-fearing 
man : 

' ; 2STett York, February 5, 1S70. 

"Mb. T. B. Stout, 

" Dear Sir : TVe are in receipt of your letter 
of this date, inclosing your check for one hundred 
and ninety-one dollars and thirty-five cents, in 
payment of claims of Stout. Warren, & Co.. with 
interest to date. It is so seldom that we are in 
receipt of letters of this tenor that we are happy 
to express to you, sir, our gratification at finding 
that mark of integrity, by paying that which we 
had no legal claim on you for, If all business 
men were thus conscientious it would give a 
tone and satisfaction to business life which it 
now lacks from the prevalent idea of sharp- 
ness as being the necessary qualification for 
success. 



304 



Pillars in the Temple. 



"Wishing you success in your future busi- 
ness, we are yours truly, 

66 Hoyt Brothers." 

These facts show the general character of the 
man. We doubt whether the race, during the 
ages, has ever been furnished a brighter practical 
illustration of the golden rule, " Whatsoever ye 
would that men should do to you do ye even so 
to them," than is furnished by the life of this 
good man. He feared God and kept his com- 
mandments, which is the whole duty of man. 
God has doubtless said to him, " Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been 
faithful over a few things, I will make thee 
ruler over manv things : enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord." 

As his business record was brilliant, so his 
Sunday-school and Church record were not less 
so, as the following pages show. 

At the age of seventeen he went into a neigh- 
borhood of poor and neglected people in the city 
of Brooklyn, hired a room, and by his personal 
influence established a prosperous Sunday-school. 
He was made its superintendent. It grew under 
his enlightened supervision, and was sustained 
largely by his own means for several years. 
Wherever he resided he connected himself 
with the Sunday-school of the Church, and for 
most of the time acted as superintendent. At 



• Pillars est the Temple. 



305 



the time of his death he was filling this re- 
sponsible position in the St. Luke's Methodist 
Episcopal Church Sunday-school of New York 
city. 

u Summerfield M. E. Church S. School. 

" Brooklyn, October 1, 1860. 

" T. B. Stout, Esq., 

" Dear Brother: The Young Men's Chris- 
tian Union of our Church having called you 
to take charge of the Mission School established 
under their auspices in Quincy-street, and a 
sense of duty having impelled you to accept the 
charge and resign your official connection with 
our school, we, your late associates in Sabbath- 
school labor, would give you this evidence of 
our affectionate esteem. On a review of our 
Sabbath -school intercourse, your services for 
some five years as librarian, and some three 
years as secretary, impel us cheerfully to its 
accord to you the merit of having been always 
at your post, and having executed the trusts 
committed to you with fidelity and with zealous 
usefulness. Our social intercourse also has 
been of that kindly Christian character which 
leaves with us a pleasing recollection of the 
past. " Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts 
in Christian love.' ' Our Sabbath Home/ 
where prayer has been wont to be made specially 

in your behalf; where, dying love compelled, 
20 



306 



Pillars in the Temple. 



you were first brought to the knowledge of a 
Saviour's love ; where those holy resolutions to 
serve and please Him whom we trust is your 
chief joy have been uttered ; where those pur- 
poses for Christian effort have been formed and 
put in practice, have riveted a tie upon your 
affections which time and circumstances, we 
trust, cannot erase, and which have incited in 
us a peculiar interest in your future well-being ; 
and while we regret to release you from actual 
services in our school, we may congratulate you 
upon your entrance, we trust, upon a more 
enlarged sphere of usefulness. May the enter- 
prise you have undertaken to promote be greatly 
prospered ! We fervently ask God's blessing upon 
vou and it. And in taking leave of von officially, 
we would counsel that in all the concerns of this 
life you are to 4 look up. ? The never-failing 
promise is yours : ' My grace is sufficient for 
thee. 5 " Signed by all the officers and teachers. 

Theodore had now attained his majority, from 
which time his career, which had been so bright 
for several years previously, grew more and 
more brilliant till the close of life. 

The following graphic sketch is from the pen 
of Mr. George Shepherd Page, a prominent 
Christian gentleman and merchant of New York 
city. He was an intimate and bosom friend of 
the deceased during the closing years of his life. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



It is dated Stanley, 2s"ew Jersey, May 24, 1871, 
and is affectionately addressed to Mr. A. Y. 
Stout, father of the deceased : 

" My Dear Friend : I am sure you will be 
glad to receive a brief account of one or two 
incidents in the life history of your son which 
might otherwise fail to be known by many of 
his numerous friends. My first introduction to 
him was in the summer of 1866. We were 
fellow-passengers on the Morris and Essex Rail- 
road. Theodore was spending the season at 
Summit, and I at Stanley, the adjoining town. 
He was seated with a party of four, one of 
whom I knew, who exclaimed upon my entering 
the oar, 6 Stout ! Page ! Page, Stout, embrace ! ' 
and we both complied on the instant. Prom 
that first interview a friendship grew, and 
strengthened with the passing years, until we 
were bound together by the closest ties of 
affection. The love of brothers could not have 
been greater. During that summer we met 
almost daily going to and from Xew York. 

64 There were usually ten or twelve gentlemen 
of about one age in the party. We had enjoyed 
happy times on the road, and Theodore was 
the life and soul of the company, always 
cheerful, lively, and hopeful, and ever ready 
with apt repartee, or pleasantry, or some keen 
home-thrust. He was a general favorite. The 



308 



Pillars in the Temple. 



summer months passed rapidly away tinder 
such pleasant circumstances, and upon the ap- 
proach of fall we returned to the city and 
continued our intimacy until he was removed 

by death. 

" I had repeatedly urged him to accompany 
me to the camp of * our Oquossoc Angling As- 
sociation, at the head-waters of the Andros- 
coggin, in the wilderness of Maine, for rest and 
recreation, but without success. His repeated 
response was, 6 My business obligations require 
my time, talent, and energy six days in every 
week.' But upon the personal advice of his 
father he finally consented, and with our fam- 
ilies we left J>Tew York in the latter part of 
May, 1870, for Eangely, Maine, via the outside 
line of steamers to Portland. We arrived in 
Phillips, Maine, Saturday evening. Early Sab- 
bath morning we were waited upon at our 
hotel by the pastors of the Baptist and Methodist 
Churches, and urged to address the joint-meeting 
of their Sabbath-schools. At five P. M. the 
Methodist Church was thronged by the inhabit- 
ants of the village and the families of the 
farmers, many of whom had come from a 
distance of eight or ten miles. I was requested 
to take charge of the service. Theodore had 
made me promise before leaving the hotel that 
I would not call on him to make an address. 
The meeting was very interesting. The children 



Pillars est the Temple. 



309 



sang sweetly. The audience was exceedingly 
attentive. Shortly before the close of the serv- 
ices I made an appeal to Theodore, and, to my 
great surprise, he quickly replied, 4 1 cannot go 
away without saying a single word to this 
people. The opportunity may never again be 
afforded.' With quiet self-possession, and a 
dignity which was so natural to him, he said: 
6 Children, I have only a short but true story to 
tell you to-day. In one of the vilest sections of 
the great city of 2sVw York is a mission Sunday- 
school. The superintendent's nam-e is Ralph 
Weils. Some of you may have heard of the 
mission and the superintendent, because so 
many poor, neglected, degraded children have 
been cared for under its roof and through the 
instrumentality of this good superintendent. 
Bat my story is of one of the scholars. She 
lived in a cellar in a miserable tenement-house. 
She had learned to love Jesus in Grace Chapel, 
notwithstanding the ill treatment of a swearing, 
drunken mother. Little Mary was taken sick, 
and, without proper food or medical attendance, 
she grew weaker, until her strength failed so 
she could not arise from the filthy pile of straw 
and rags upon which she lay. Though neglected 
by the drunken mother, yet little suffering Mary 
was watched and tended by a good Christian 
grandmother. Still Mary grew weaker. She 
could just whisper, " Put your hand under my 



310 Pillars in the Temple. 



pillow. Do you feel that little pocket-boot ? 
Yes, that's it, hide it ! Don't let mother see 
it. Grandma, that's the missionary money. It 
belongs to Jesus. When I am gone don't let 
mother get it. See that Jesus gets it all ! See 
that Jesus gets it all ! " and her eyes closed. The 
little pulse ceased to beat. Mary, the mission 
scholar, was dead. ' Children,' said Theodore, 
' your hearts belong to Jesus. Jesus wants them 
all. O ! wont you see that Jesus gets them 
all ? ' and he returned to his seat. There was 
an impressive stillness in the house ! As I 
gazed on the audience many eyes were filled 
with tears, although I could hardly see them 
for dimness in my own. The next morning 
early we continued our journey, arriving at the 
camp about noon. In the latter part of August 
I received a letter from the Eev. J. F. Hutchins, 
pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Rev. A. H. Morrill, pastor of the Baptist 
Church, the pastors above referred to as calling 
at our hotel, also from the superintendent of both 
schools, telling me that shortly after their Sab- 
bath-school gathering an interest had sprung up 
in the Sabbath-school which had increased, until 
at the time of writing nineteen had fully pro- 
fessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and united 
with their Church, and many more were in- 
quiring the way to the foot of the cross. That 
several had spoken of the deep impression made 



PlLLAES EST THE TEaLPLE. 311 



tipon them by the direct, earnest appeal of The- 
odore, and believed this simple, affecting story 
had been the prime agent in their conversion. 

"In the following September I was again in 
Phillips. Me., and again the Sunday-schools 
were called together. I cannot describe to yon 
the universal sadness that pervaded the entire 
audience as I told them of the departure of my 
deal* friend and brother to the mansions of the 
blessed. Strong men wept for good cause. 
£ Do you see that, young man and his wife yon- 
der, who are so much affected ? ' said Eev. Mr. 
Hatching. £ God used Brother Stout to bring 
him and his wife to the Saviour. They are now 
earnest, devoted, working Christians. He is a 
prominent merchant, and his wife is the 
daughter of our wealthiest citizen. And I have 
additional reason to remember Brother Stout : 
as he was bidding me good-by I found that a 
very substantial token of his regard was left in 
my hand.' 

"In conclusion, I can truly say that L as well 
as others, have been made a better Christian 
through the influence of Theodore B. Stout. 
God grant that we rnay all so live that we may 
one day be welcomed home by the dutiful son, 
the loving husband, the tried friend, and the 
true Christian on the other side of the river! 
" Sincerely yours, 

"Geo. Shepherd Page," 



312 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Brother Stout was early married to the lady 
of his youthful and ardent affection, Miss Susan 
M. Weeks. This marriage was eminently a 
happy one. Most beautifully did he perform 
the duties of husband and father. His loss to 
his family is immeasurable and irreparable. His 
filial piety was remarkable. His love of his 
parents, his acquiescence in their will in all mat- 
ters, and his devotion to their interests and 
happiness were unusual through every period 
of his life. He was more than a son to his 
father : he was his companion, with whom he 
took counsel, and on whose judgment and ad- 
vice he relied in business matters. " 

The son equally delighted in the father's 
society, and found one of his chief j oys in free, 
confidential, and loving intercourse with the 
fondest of parents. He ran his race quickly, but 
he ran it certainly. He reached the goal. He 
attained piety, usefulness, and true happiness in 
the world, and in the world to come life everlast- 
ing. Cherished most lovingly be his memory 
until his society be regained ! 

On the reassembling of the St. Luke's Sab- 
bath-school, September 4, 1870, a memorial 
service was held in remembrance of its late 
superintendent, at which time a committee was 
appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the 
feeling of the meeting in the loss they had 
sustained, The committee subsequently re- 



PlLLARS IN THE TEMPLE. 313 



ported the following, which were adopted, 
namely : 

" Whereas, During our summer vacation w 7 e 
have been called to mourn the loss by death of 
oar presiding officer; therefore, that we may 
in part express our feelings of bereavement, 
be it 

"Resolved, 1. That in the recent death of our 
beloved superintendent, Theodore B. Stout, our 
Sabbath-school has sustained a loss too great for 
ordinary expression. That while t we bear testi- 
mony to his zeal, energy, and devotion to the 
interests of the school, we also realize that not 
only has our Sabbath-school lost its warmest 
and most valued friend but we a brother, whose 
active labor, refined manners, warm sympathy, 
and hearty generosity will forever endear him 
to our memory. 

"2. That we tender our heartfelt sympathy 
to the bereaved wife and immediate rela- 
tives of the departed, assuring them of our fel- 
lowship in their sorrow ; and while we beseech 
the God of all comfort to grant unto them his 
special and abiding grace and consolation, we 
yet also are looking for and hastening unto 
that day when he who sleeps and we who 
mourn shall all be gathered within our Father's 
home on high. 

" 3. That these resolutions be placed upon 
the record of the school, and that copies of the 



314 Pillars ra the Temple. 



same be forwarded to Mrs. Stoat, and also to 
the parents of our departed Superintendent. 

"Frederick Humphrey, Chairman" 

Theodore B. Stout, though dying at the early 
age of thirty-one, has left a deep and indelible 
impression of himself as a Christian business 
man. He had set before his mind a high ideal, 
and worked faithfully for its realization. He 
blended in his character business energy and 
religious fervor, and was never so immersed in 
worldly care as to be unfitted for Christian duty. 
He. carried his cheerful and buoyant spirit ever 
with him, and united an almost boyish vivacity 
with a mature and sagacious judgment. He 
was a most lovable person, and, as he deserved 
to be, was greatly beloved. His executive abil- 
ity was very great. He did his work promptly, 
and so thoroughly, that, as one has said who 
knew him well, " It did not need to be done 
over again.' 5 We commend his example to the 
young men of the whole country. Business is 
in some sense a strife, and may very rapidly 
harden the character by blunting all the finest 
sensibilities. But Mr. Stout lived in the very 
focus of contention, and yet bore himself honor- 
ably as a Christian. He prized a good name 
more than riches, and has reaped the reward 
which always comes of such a choice. Not a 
few of the young men of our Church of this city 



Pillars in the Temple. 



315 



are destined to grow to wealth and great in- 
fluence. We trust they all will live with the 
high purpose which animated and sustained 
Theodore B. Stout." 

Though many years the junior of ~W. W. Cor- 
nell, of New York, and Hon. G. F. Cobb, of 
Morristown, New Jersey, yet, because of his 
many excellences and distinguished usefulness, 
and still more because of the promise of a long and 
grand career of noble Christian work upon which 
he had actively entered, he justly takes rank 
with them, and adds one more to the illustrious 
company of laymen and ministers our Church 
has recently surrendered to the skies. Again 
and again, many times repeated, we have been 
called to mourn the Providence which thus re- 
mands such prepared and polished instruments 
from the scene where their labors are so much 
needed, and in the midst of their great and 
growing usefulness. 

In our bewilderment now one reason, now 
another is imagined, but we are constrained, 
amid our tears and sorrows, in faith to say, He 
has a reason full of wisdom and love, a reason 
for the present inscrutable, but which when 
known will show that " He doeth all things 
well." A wail of anguish goes up from stricken 
hearts, from a smitten Church ; but we cannot 
for one moment doubt that the hand which 
strikes the successive blows is moved by a heart 



316 



Pillars m the Temple, 



of infinite tenderness, which knows how to be 
touched with the suffering of his sorrowing 
children. 

His disease was probably contracted by con- 
tinued over labor, exposure, and fatigue. From 
apparent perfect health " he was brought sud- 
denly to the gates of death." His Christian 
beneficence was worthy of our approbation and 
imitation. 

He said to a Christian minister: ''I am mak- 
ing money fast, and I have covenanted with 
God it shall never be hoarded." Most of his 
benefactions were made in a private way, and 
ail of them were made without ostentation. 

His first pastor, the Rev. Mr. Studley, says : 
" Our brother, Theodore B. Stout, was by nature 
a man of buoyant, hopeful, benevolent, earnest 
spirit. Such a man as, moved upon by the grace 
of God, is in any age or section of the world a 
valuable acquisition to the forces of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

" From the day I gave him the right hand of 
fellowship, and received him into the Church, 
so far as I know he adorned the doctrine of 
God our Saviour in all things. I never knew 
him to shirk responsibility or hard work of any 
kind. I never knew him to complain that his 
brethren expected too much of him, or laid too 
heavy burdens on his shoulders. He was inde- 
fatigable," 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 317 

The Bev. Mr. Harrower, his pastor at the 
time of his death, says: "Brother Stout had 
been the superintendent of our school, an active 
officer in the Board, and a strong, prompt, cor- 
dial, generous, and efficient man in every capac- 
ity of Church duty. When he fell, a great 
strength was swept from ns. As a man of the 
world, sagacious and successful; but withal so 
true and tender that business men, his neigh- 
bors, submitted differences to him, and cheer- 
fully acquiesced in his decision. 

" Our friend was not a perfect man, but he 
was in many respects an excellent and very re- 
markable man, and jt behooves ns not only to 
cherish his memory, but to seize and learn the 
lesson of his life. Of certain phases of his char- 
acter but little can be said, and in general only 
a touch can be given here and there. Still I 
know that, though touches only, every word will 
be grateful to his friends, and conspire to leave 
a harmonious impression upon the mind even of 
the partial stranger/' 

Bev. Dr. Wakeley says : " He was a young 
mail, of great business tact and ability. His 
punctuality and order were most remarkable. 
He did not wait until he was on his dying bed 
to 6 set his house in order.' His whole life was 
one of constant preparation for the great here- 
after. 

i4 I have seldom known one whose business 



318 



Pillars in the Temple. 



and religion seemed so to overlap the one and 
the other as did his. When the financial storm 
swept over this city — when in a single day gold 
went down from 160 to about 130 — I met my 
young friend and said to him, ' Are you coming 
out of this fiery furnace without even the smell 
of fire upon you ? 5 He grasped my hand in a 
hearty and cordial manner, and replied, ' I 
have been praying in regard to it, and it is my 
conviction I shall come out all right.' The re- 
sult showed that he did come out of this terri- 
ble storm, amid which so many fortunes were 
wrecked, unscathed both in purse and honor. 
Only think of it : prayer in Wall-street ; prayer 
amid bankers, gold bags, and where the railway 
and other stocks of the world are daily bought 
and sold. 

"He did not make money for the sake of 
hoarding it, but he seemed to live as though the 
injunction of the Saviour was upon him. ' Oc- 
cupy till I come 5 was constantly sounding in his 
ears. He has doubtless heard the welcome plaud- 
it, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! 5 ' 5 

Rev. Dr. Foster says : " His genial, thorojjghly 
kind and affectionate nature never failed to win 
the hearts of any and all with whom he came 
into close relations of any kind. This might be 
said of others, but in a very eminent degree 
of Mr. Stout. His nature was to a singular de- 
gree noble, confiding, and attractive. Of fine 



Pillars in the Temple. 



319 



physical presence, transparent frankness, and 
thorough honesty, he never failed, even on the 
most cursory and transient acquaintance, to 
leave the impression of his noble manliness. 
There were some things for which he was 
almost peculiar. His religious and secular life 
in a very remarkable measure ran evenly to- 
gether, or rather interfused and blended, the 
one always toning and regulating the other. 
Without cant or obtrusiveness, his religion was 
never un apparent. Of very few men in the 
business circle in which he moved could this 
statement be so truthfully made. It would be 
safe to say, every business acquaintance knew 
Mr. Stout to be a high-toned Christian gen- 
tleman. 

"They not only knew him as an active, 
energetic, thoroughly trusted, and remarkably 
successful business man, but more, as a profound 
and beautiful Christian man. His were a spirit 
and life sanctified in the highest and best sense 
of the word. 

" While the present generation of business 
men shall live his precious memory will not 
die. Even in the whirl and excitement of the 
great financial center at the Exchange and on 
the street his name will be pronounced with 
honor and affection. Another even more 
marked peculiarity was his readiness for any 
good word and work at whatever inconvenience 



320 



Pillars in the Temple. 



and expense. He did not need to be poshed 
into duty or goaded into benevolent enterprise. 
Rather, he was ever seeking opportunity for 
usefulness. Xot content with doing merely 
what could not without crime be avoided, he 
was constantly looking for open doors, and 
opening them when closed. Never will his now 
deeply-affected and sorrowing brethren forget 
his example, nor cease lovingly to cherish the 
memory of his beautiful and useful life. 

"Every place will miss him, especially the 
Sabbath-school, of which he was the joy and 
pride. Children and teachers will alike feel 
that a father and friend have been taken from 
them. He rests from his labor and his works 
follow him. Happy for the Ohnrch and the 
world if many like spirits might arise to adorn 
the Home, the Exchange, and the Sanctuary ! 

"For several years prior to his death he was 
the senior member of the firm of Stout and 
Dickenson, bankers and brokers. Greatly pros- 
pered in this business, he was devoting his means 
munificently to Christian and charitable uses, 
and had already entered a career of great and 
cheerful giving, which prophesied for him a 
place among the most honored benefactors of 
the time and city in which he lived. His man- 
liness, geniality, transparency and unselfishness, 
with his real good sense and perfect truthful- 
ness and honor, made him not only profoundly 



Pillars of the Temple. 



321 



respected, but sincerely and deeply loved by 
the ranks of business men with whom Wall- 
street surrounded him. Still young at the time 
of his death, he had reached the most responsible 
position in the Broker's Board. He was one of 
the men whom every body in that excited street 
knew to be not only a Church, member but a 
real Christian. As a business man he mani- 
fested unusual capacity and aptitude. He could 
do more in a given time, and do it better, than 
most men. His integrity was unswerving; ; his 
honor and honesty above suspicion, 

" The resolutions passed by the Xew York 
Board of Brokers the day after his death are a 
noble testimony to his business capabilities and 
uprightness, and also to his dignified manhood 
and social excellences : 

" ; Resolved, 1. That we, the members of the 
New York Stock Exchange, have heard with 
the profoundest grief of the death of one of the 
worthiest and most prominent of our fellow- 
members, Theodore B. Stout. 

" 6 2. That we fulfill our obvious duty in giving 

public expression to and placing upon record 

our admiration of him as a successful man of 

business, and love for him for his goodness of 

heart, and belief in his integrity, and our faith 

in him as a man. His presence and example 

cannot well be spared from among us. 

" 4 That as an officer of the board we desire 
21 



322 



Pillars in the Temple. 



to bear witness to his assiduity, his energy, and 
his usefulness. Firm in the discharge of every 
duty, yet ever mindful of the feelings of others, 
he won the respect and esteem of all. His 
place we cannot easily supply. 

"'4. That we deeply sympathize with the 
family in their great and crushing bereavement, 
and most especially do we desire to express to 
the wife and child the consolation derived from 
the assurance, which we most cheerfully give, 
that the husband and father whom they are 
called to mourn merited and received the love 
and respect of his fellow-men. 

" 4 5. That the secretary of the Stock Exchange 
be directed to send a copy of these resolutions, 
signed by the members of the committee, to the 
family of our deceased friend.' 

" Much as Mr. Stout will be missed in the 
circle of his business acquaintances, after his 
own lovely home, where his absence will be 
most keenly felt and deeply mourned, there is 
no place where he will be so much missed as in 
the young Church in Forty-first-street, of which 
he was so useful a member, and the prosperous 
Sabbath-school of which he was the almost 
idolized superintendent Upon St. Luke's the 
blow falls with its most antempered severitv. 
The little band who have there united for a 
grand Church enterprise will miss one of the 
manliest props upon which they leaned for sue- 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



323 



cess. But though he has gone, the memory of 
his beautiful life will remain to stimulate and 
encourage others to imitate and emulate him. 
God's work will go on though the workman be 
removed ; but are there not voices coming to us 
that remain from these many translations * ad- 
monishing us that ' the time is short ? 5 and that 
if we would Unish well our work there is no 
time for delay. To the young men especially 
of the age we commend this example of high 
Christian honor and unselfishness as worthy not 
only of admiration but as a pattern to be fol- 
lowed. The Church wants such men to repre- 
sent her in business, and business wants them 
to infuse a true spirit and higher tone into the 
common affairs of life." 

John Oliver, Esq., of New York, thus writes : 
" Not long ago walking down Broadway, in the 
city of New York, I felt a gentle tap on the * 
shoulder, Turning, ray eye met the familiar 
countenance of Theodore B. Stout. He had 
recently returned from Maine, where he had 
spent some time for purposes of recreation, and 
he spoke with natural enthusiasm of the pleasure 
of the trip. I had known him from childhood, 
and he never seemed more vigorous and buoyant 
than on that occasion. Possessed of a sound 
constitution and well-developed manly frame, 

* Referring to the late decease of Bishops Thomson and Kings* 
ley; W, W. Cornell, Dr. M'Clintock, and Dr. Xadal. 



324 



Pillars in the Temple, 



few gave more promise of long life than he. 
Glancing over our morning paper on Friday 
last I was startled at the announcement of his 
death ! He had been ailing for ten days, but 
had not appeared seriously sick until two days 
before he expired. Mr. Stout resided in 
Yonkers for about three years, during which 
time there as well as elsewhere he made troops 
of friends. He was frank, genial, prudent, and 
generous, carrying sunshine and blessing wher- 
ever he went. He was peculiarly a domestic 
man, strongly devoted to the happiness of his 
household. Many of our citizens well remem- 
ber him, two years ago, while temporarily 
sojourning in Tonkers, as he appeared upon 
our streets, tenderly bearing his dear little 
daughter Almira, the only child who survives 
him. He was an enterprising, sagacious busi- 
ness man. Well might his dear father say with 
ardent pride and sincerity, as he did on one 
occasion, ''You don't know how I lean upon 
that boy.' After a brief illness of typhoid 
fever he died in Madison, Xew Jersey, August 
11, 1870. Appropriate funeral services were 
held at his late residence, 1-1 East Forty- 
first-street, Xew York, on Sunday, August 4, 
1870. Bishop Janes delivered an impressive 
and interesting address, during which he paid 
a just tribute to the many noble qualities of the 
deceased. Drs, Crawford, Crooks, and Foss, 



Pillars in the Temple. 325 

and He v. Messrs, Weed and Marks participated 
in the services, 

The profound sorrow of the large number 
present, representing various religious, benevo- 
lent, and business institutions, was a spontaneous 
and fitting testimony of respect to the memory 
of a good man unexpectedly cut down in the 
midst of usefulness and years. 



JOSHUA BE ALE. 

JOSHUA BEALE was born in Kent County, 
England, June, 1808. In early manhood he 
emigrated to this country, bringing with him a 
good moral character, and an education received 
among the Quakers. He won for himself at 
once an enviable reputation for industry and in- 
tegrity, qualities which distinguished him until 
the day of his death. 

He was endowed with many excellent natural 
traits of character, which for a time proved a 
snare to him, since they led him to cherish a 
high opinion of his life as meritorious before 
God. To use his own words, he was " a self- 
righteous moralist." Under the labors of Rev. 
James Young he was awakened, and sought 
favor with God through Jesus Christ. 

The occasion of his awakening was a remark 



326 



Pillars in the Temple. 



made in a sermon, evidently upon the subject of 
decision: "The angels in heaven are decided/ 1 
said the preacher ; " the devils in hell are de- 
cided ; the poor sinner alone is undecided." 
That arrow struck and stayed. His heart was 
pierced and broken. 

He bowed at the altar as a penitent. So deep 
was his sense of sinfulness that, as it seemed to 
him, it was not possible to humble himself 
sufficiently. He saw plainly that he could be 
justified only through Jesus Christ. He relied 
upon Jesus, and became a justified sinner. 

From that hour he never wavered in his 
attachment to God's truth and service. For 
thirty-three years he lived a singularly beautiful 
and true life. The qualities which before his 
conversion had made him conspicuous, when 
supplemented by an experience of religion gave 
him an honorable position anions: his brethren. 

J. o 

During these years, and to the day of his death, 
he held office as a steward and trustee. 

Brother Beale was transparently honest and 
just. He was singular and independent in his 
opinions — simple because he was honest. In 
his character were united the warmth of the 
Methodist and the meekness of the Quaker. 

He was always in his place, always ready to 
do his duty. His friends will remember a fact, 
and the reason he assigned to it : he always occu- 
pied a front seat in church, saying he did not 



Pillars in the Temple. 327 

wish even to seem to occupy neutral or doubt- 
ful ground. He was a solid man, a warm friend, 
a safe counselor, and a thorough Christian. 

His death was in perfect keeping with his 
life. His sickness was painful, but not supposed 
to be dangerous until just before his death. His 
friends, convinced that his end was near, sug- 
gested that if he had any business affairs to 
arrange, he had better attend to them. There 
was the same calmness he always exhibited, the 
same patient attention to details. There was 
no hurry, no excitement, no agitation. He had 
not to crowd the work of a life time into a few 
minutes. When these matters of business were 
arranged he called the members of his family to 
his bedside and gave them his dying charge and 
blessing. 

His Pastor then asked, " Have you any words 
to send to your brethren ? " He nodded and 
said slowly, " In losing me they will not lose 
much. Tell them if I were to live my life over 
again, I would live more godly and sincerely ! " 
Then, as if wishing to embody within the limits 
of a proverb the triumph of his soul, he added 
expressively, " God is a sure foundation." He 
con versed but little afterward. Once he prayed, 
" Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! " Once he 
said, " I want to go with the angels and sweet 
spirits." Shortly after the rising of the sun the 
waiting angels bore his sanctified spirit to heaven. 



328 



Pillars in the Temple, 



The large congregation present at his funeral, 
made up of all denominations and of all classes, 
attested the fact that the influence of an upright 
life makes itself deeply felt. Brother Beale lived 
to see all his children converted but one. Since 
that time the remaining child has most nobly 
redeemed the promise made to his dying father. 

Brother Beale was one of our most reliable 
and exemplary laymen. He was emphatically a 
" Pillar in the temple of the Lord." 

It will be difficult to fill his place in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church in Peekskill, of which 
he was so long a member. Prudent and safe in 
his counsels, he really acted as a balance-wheel, 
influencing and regulating the movements of 
the whole machinery. 

He had a most estimable family. They still 
survive at this writing, and feel deeply their 
irreparable loss. The widow's God and father 
to the fatherless is their father and their God. 
Happy shall be the final meeting. He died in 
Peekskill, 1ST. T. 3 November 16, 1870. 



Pillars in the Temple. 



329 



ANTHONY CIVILL. 
ETHONY CIVILL was born in Coeymans, 



A. Albany County, 5T. Y., October 19, 1798. 
His parents were both exemplary members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, having united 
with it in the early days of Methodism. For 
many years their house was the welcome home 
of the weary itinerant. Bishop Asbury, Free- 
born Garrettson, John Crawford, and many 
others of that class of men frequently enjoyed 
their hospitality. When Anthony was quite 
young his father died, but his mother, who was 
a woman of superior judgment, strong mind, 
and active faith, lived for many years to bless 
him with her godly counsels and fervent prayers. 
At the time of her death, which occurred in 
July, 1851, she was an honored member of the 
Duane-street Church in New York city. 

When fifteen years of age Anthony left his 
home and went to Albany to learn a trade. 
Here at an early day the good seed which had 
been sown in his young heart began to bear fruit 
in his life. His manly fortitude^ attention to 
business, and strict adherence to the right, soon 
won for him not only the confidence of his em- 
ployer, but the esteem and respect of his asso- 




330 



Pillars m the Te:.iple. 



ciates. At the age of seventeen years he was 
led by the Spirit to consider the necessity of im- 
mediately surrendering his heart and life to the 
service of God, and with earnestness he peni- 
tently sought, and through faith in ChRst happi- 
ly found, the pearl of great price. In his early 
Christian life, and even to the day of his death, 
he often expressed a regret that he could not 
definitely tell the exact time and place of his 
conversion ; vet of the fad he never had a doubt, 
and his long life of usefulness in the Church, his 
unblemished Christian character, as well as his 
oft-repeated, clear, concise, laconic, and some- 
times thrilling experiences in the deep things 
of God, fully convinced all who heard and 
knew him that the Gospel of Christ had been 
and was to him the power of God unto salva- 
tion. He immediately united with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and continued in its 
fellowship until removed to the Church tri- 
umphant. During the whole of his Christian 
life his piety was active, vigorous, and enlight- 
ened. A most intimate friend, who knew him for 
more than half a century, says of his early Chris- 
tian life that " it was free from frivolity, and 
the younger and older members of the Church 
found in him a pattern of gravity, conscientious- 
ness, and religious devotion." In May, 1820, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Fanny Wolf, 
and for almost fifty-one vears they shared to- 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Oi>± 



gether life's joys and sorrows. She still lingers 
to bless the Church with her presence and 
prayers, All their children preceded the par- 
ents to the spirit-land, most of them dying in 
infancy. In the spring of 1821 -Brother Civill 
and family moved to New York city, and united 
by letter with the Duane-street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. In 1830 his membership was 
transferred to the Greene-street Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, being the year before the present 
edilice was built. In 1839, when the New York 
West Circuit was divided into stations, Anthony 
Civill, B. F. Howe, and E. II. Brown were ap- 
pointed stewards for the Greene-street Church, 
an office which he held (excepting a short inter- 
val when he removed from the city) until the 
day of his death, being at that time President 
of the Board. He also served the same Church 
as trustee and class-leader at different times, 
His prompt attention to, and faithful discharge 
of, the duties of the offices held bv him, were a 
convincing proof to his brethren that they had 
acted wisely in placing him in these responsible 
positions. 

Brother Civill was deprived of the advan- 
tages of an early educational training, yet 
his mind was cast in a large and uncommon 
mold, and being endowed by nature with a 
strong and quick intellect, by constant study 
and close observation he acquired no ordinary 



332 



PlLLAES IN THE TEMPLE. 



degree of mental culture. He was a great 
reader, a deep thinker. He permitted no new 
theory, either in science or theology, to escape 
his notice, but carefully and closely investigated 
until he had mastered what he undertook; con- 
sequently positiveness always marked his opin- 
ions and utterances in regard to the truth or 
reasonableness of the theories advanced. He 
was w r ell versed in theology, and frequently 
quoted with great familiarity the opinions of 
different theological writers, and always showed 
an unbounded veneration for the Holy Script- 
ures. The study of God's word was his delight, 
mingled as it was with a spirit of inquiry and a 
great desire to understand its proper and full 
meaning. He also had a great veneration for 
the Supreme Being, and yet a child-iike sim- 
plicity and freedom in approaching him. He 
often remarked, " I take great liberty with God." 
This he claimed as his inestimable privilege by 
virtue of his relation as the adopted son of God. 

Brother Civill was well acquainted with the 
doctrines and discipline of our Church, and was 
ready for their defense whenever necessity de- 
manded. He loved the "old paths" of Meth- 
odism, yet heartily indorsed any new measures 
that would increase the spirituality and useful- 
ness of the Church. He was very seldom absent 
from the prayer or class-meeting, and often 
expressed his fears and deep regret that to many 



Pillars in the Temple. 



333 



Church members the latter more especially was 
losing its interest. For many years he was con- 
nected with a Bible-class in the Church, and was 
peculiarly attached to the Sunday-school. His 
attendance there was almost as regular as that 
of the Superintendent, and when called upon 
he was always ready to fill the place of an absent 
teacher, instructing and delighting even the 
youngest scholar. He always had a happy smile 
and a kind word for the little ones, and the 
children all knew and all loved Father Civiil. 
Another characteristic of our departed friend 
was his genuine benevolence and kindness to 
the poor. He was ready to give to every worthy 
object, and was liberal as far as his means would 
allow in the support of the cause of God. In all 
his dealings he was strictly honest, never sacri- 
ficing principle to policy. Regarding a pure 
conscience as above price, he never sold it for 
gain or popularity. In the social circle he was 
cheerful and happy, without unbecoming levity, 
and always interested those who enjoyed his so- 
ciety. His expressions were often quaint, and 
his manner somewhat eccentric, so that few 
comparatively knew him intimately enough to 
fully appreciate his real worth. 

In summing up his character we may safely 
say, without fear of contradiction, that he was 
entitled to the appellation of a good man y yet 
justice to his memory, as well as to his many 



334 



Pillars in the Temple. 



surviving friends, requires us to add that lie was 
not perfect. He had his faults, some of which, 
like his virtues, were strongly marked. He 
often differed from his brethren in opinion, and 
his judgment was frequently found to be at 
fault ; but these were errors of the head and not 
of the heart. He did not do wrong intention- 
ally, and was always as ready to forgive the 
errors of others as to acknowledge his own when 
convinced of their existence. His departure was 
sudden and unexpected, though it was evident 
for some time previous that he was ripening for 
heaven. His religious experience was more pos- 
itive, his faith stronger, his heart more tender, 
and his life more mellow and sweet. A friend 
remarked to him that " this vile body will soon 
be changed ; " to which he replied, " It is now 
the temple of the Holy Spirit." 

On Sunday evening, January 1, 1871, he occu- 
pied his accustomed seat in church, and enjoyed 
the services as usual. At their close he went to 
a particular friend and younger member of the 
Church and made this very significant remark : 
" When I go off like Elijah, I wish you to be the 
Elisha to catch my mantle and wear it for me." 
On the Tuesday evening following he was at 
his class, and closed his testimony by saying that 
" Lately I have wondered what my first emo- 
tions will be when the glories of heaven sud- 
denly burst upon my vision." As he left the 



Pillars in the Temple, 805 

church he said, " I think it is all over with me; 
may be not, but if so ' it is all right? " Little 
did any then think that it was his last visit there, 
and that he was then delivering his last testi- 
mony in that place so sacred to him. But so it 
proved. The remainder of the week he was not 
very well, and did not venture out to the even- 
ing meetings. On Sunday he remained at home, 
as the weather was stormy and severe. On 
calling to see him the first of the week we found 
him very cheerful, and comfortable in soul and 
body. On Thursday morning he arose with the 
intention of going out to attend to some bush 
ness, but while walking across the room his 
wife discovered that he reeled, and caught him 
at once ; but he soon sank prostrate to the floor, 
and, without a parting word or scarcely a groan, 
"the weary wheels of lite stood still,*' and our 
highly esteemed and now deeply lamented 
brother and father in Israel " ceased at once to 
work and live. 5 ' Though he has passed away, 
the memory of his name and virtues will long 
retain its hold upon the hearts of his brethren 
and fellow-laborers in the Church of God. May 
we all meet him in heaven ! 

He died in Xew York city, January 12, 1871, 
aged seventy-two, 



336 Pillars IjST the Temple. 



ABEL MINAKD. 

THE life which has been fragrant with good 
deeds, and the death which has exhibited 
the riches of divine grace, should be noted as 
an example to mankind. Among those whose 
munificent deeds of benevolence and whose 
Christian death deserve more than a passing 
notice was the late Mr. Abel Minard, of Morris- 
town, 1ST. J. 

He was born in Massachusetts on the 25th of 
September, 1814. His father died soon after his 
birth, and his mother died when he was about 
eight years old* so that, a mere child, without a 
father's protection or a mother's counsel, he was 
left alone to struggle with the world. His early 
life was an earnest struggle for success, and 
subjected to all the disadvantages which attend 
those who are compelled to work their own way 
from poverty to fortune. Although reared as a 
tanner, his energy of character soon sought a 
broader field of action, so that he spent most 
of his life in such business operations as best 
suited his genius and habits. On October 23, 
1836, he was married in Schenectady County, 
N. T., to Miss Hannah T. Lewis. They were 
blessed with one son and two daughters, who, 



Pillars in the Temple. 337 



with the bereaved widow, still survive to mourn 
his loss. 

He did not spend a large part of his life in 
any one place, but went to different parts of the 
country as his business interests or the health 
of himself and his family seemed to require. 
He went to California in 1846 ; he spent about 
ten years in Lockport, N. Y., and in the fall of 
1866 he removed to Morristown, K". J. ? where 
he closed his earthly career on January 31, 1871, 
in the triumph of Christian faith. The earliest 
fact with which we are acquainted in his re- 
ligions life is that of his baptism when about 
fifteen years old. A few years afterward he 
united with the Freewill Baptist Church in 
Griswold Settlement, near Lockport, N. Y. 
Living, as he did, in different parts of the coun- 
try, and coming in contact with different denom- 
inations of Christians, he had very little, if any, 
sectarian spirit, and he attended such, places of 
worship as were most in harmony with his 
views and feelings. That he suffered in his 
spiritual life from these changss we do not doubt ; 
but they served also, as will hereafter appear, 
to broaden his views of Christian duty and of 
the proper recipients of Christian charity. In 
the spring of 1870 he united with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church in Morristown, in whose 
communion he died. He removed to Morris- 
town mainly with a hope that his health, which 

22 



338 Pillars in the Temple. 



had become impaired, and that of his family, 
would be better in that region, so justly cele- 
brated for the healthfulness of its atmosphere. 
But his hopes were not to be realized. He was 
attacked with spinal disease, for which the most 
celebrated physicians whom he consulted, and 
the most famous natural curatives, both hydro- 
pathic and atmospheric, could furnish no remedy. 
A paralysis, beginning in his lower extremities, 
gradually invaded his whole frame. An invalid 
for more than a year, and confined to his house 
for four months, he had, although often suffer- 
ing greatly, much time to think on those mo- 
mentous subjects which are so full of interest 
to all, and especially to one who, like Mr. 
Minard, felt that death was the only termination 
to his disease. He sought a firm foundation on 
which to rest his hopes of salvation. He sought 
a present assurance of acceptance witlr God. 
He talked eagerly with any who would converse 
on the all-important theme. He was visited 
frequently by his Pastor, Rev. J. K. Burr, by 
the Presiding Elder of the district, Rev. M. E. 
Ellison, by Bishop Janes, and others, and to all 
he opened his heart, and received instruction 
with all the frankness and docility of a child. 
Brother Ellison, in his frequent visitations to 
him, was led to notice his sole reliance on Christ ; 
his views of the providence of God in permitting 
his long sickness in order that he might be pre- 



PlLL^ES IN THE TEMPLE. 



339 



pared for tlie great change; his remarkable 
patience, never murmuring under the most acute 
sufferings ; his delight in the worship of God in 
hi3 home, joining with all his heart in the songs 
of Zion ; his grand idea of stewardship, that his 
means were treasures committed to his trust by 
the great Head of the Church for the good of 
humanity ; his desire, whenever it was God's 
will, to depart and he with Christ, which he 
believed was far better. These points, so char- 
acteristic of the true Christian, need only to be 
mentioned. Their illustration was found both 
in his words and deeds. 

To Bishop Janes, who visited him whenever 
his official duties would permit, and whose visits 
were very encouraging to him, and to his Pastor, 
Rev. Mr. Burr, whose faithful attendance arid 
counsels he highly appreciated, he expressed 
similar sentiments. 

The Rev. Mr. Buttz was accustomed to visit 
him occasionally, and to converse with him on 
the subject nearest his heart. On one occasion 
he found him in his bed quite feeble, and unable 
to breathe except with difficulty. A part of the 
Psalm, " The Lord is my refuge and strength," 
etc.. was quoted to him, which seemed to com- 
fort him and also' relieve him. He said that 
he could not understand how to explain it, but 
whenever any one read the Bible to him it 
relieved the difficulty of his breathing. He felt 



340 Pillars in the Temple. 

interested in the great German and French war, 
because Germany was a Protestant nation. When 
they read the newspaper accounts of the war 
to him his breathing seemed more difficult in- 
stead of better ; but when they read the Bible 
-to him it relieved his breathing quite soon, so 
that he had given up having the newspapers 
read to him. He spoke of his faith in Jesus, and 
of his fear lest he had trusted too much in other 
things, such as good works instead of in Christ. 
On being told that the Lord was pleased with 
good works when they were the fruits of faith, 
he replied that the devil often reminded him of 
his good works, but that they were of no avail 
in the dying hour. " I fear," said he, " I have 
not glorified God enough for the privilege of 
doing them. I always loved to relieve suffering 
humanity, and perhaps I have done it more to 
gratify my love than with a pure desire to do 
good." He was anxious lest his gifts might 
have been selfish, and he said that his only hope 
of heaven was through Jesus. After selections 
from the Bible had been read and prayer offered, 
he said, " Don't you see how my breathing is 
relieved by your Bible reading ? " Thus he 
continued prayerful down to the last hour. 

His friend, Dr. Hoyer, of Tonawanda, who 
kindly remained with Mr. Minard during the 
last weeks of his sickness, said that on the last 
night of his life he heard him praying for each 



Pillars in the Temple. 



341 



one of his family by name. Early on the follow- 
ing morning, apparently without a struggle, he 
slept in Jesus— the first member of that family 
circle gathered to the other shore. 

His memory and his works survive him. He 
gave largely of his means to the needy while 
living, and remembered them in his will. He 
heartily sympathized with the poor, -especially 
the poor widows and orphan girls. He gave as 
a reason for his special interest in them that 
others would be likely to pass them over, and 
hence he would care for them. His contribu- 
tions for these purposes were very large, and it 
was in furtherance of this same idea he built 
the "Minard Home" in Morristown, and gave 
it to the Methodist Episcopal Church as a per- 
manent place for the education of the female 
orphans of missionaries and home ministers. 
His charities were not confined to any creed, 
race, or community. 

The Churches both of Morristown and Lock- 
port were remembered in his benefactions. He 
also left a sum, the interest of which is to be 
applied to the aid of four indigent young men 
in Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, 
!N". J. Thus he acquitted himself as a steward 
of the fortune with which he had been blessed. 
His liberality was not an impulse, but was a 
cherished principle. In early life he promised 
the Lord that if he would bless him he would 



342 Pillars in the Temple. 



give him the tenth part of his income ; and in 
later years, fearing that he had not kept the 
vow fully, he failed not to make compensation 
for his neglect by his numerous private and 
public benefactions. The strong points in his 
character were integrity and energy, and these, 
joined with a desire to do good and to glorify 
God, have left his memory precious to his fam- 
ily, and to the many who knew his virtues and 
shall share his gifts. 

— — ' - ■ — ~~ 

LEE CLAFLIN". 

LEE OLAFLIN was born in HopkintoD, 
Mass., November 19, 1791, He lived there 
until he was about eleven years old, and then 
was apprenticed to Mr. "Warren, a tanner, of 
Farmingham, until he was twenty-one. He 
removed to Milford when about twenty-three, 
where he resided until 1839, when he returned 
to Hopkinton, his native town, where he resided 
until his death. 

Mr. Claflin was of the old New England 
stock, and exhibited many of its famous pecul- 
iarities. He was an early riser, very industrious, 
very frugal, plain of dress, simple of manners. 
His words were few, and rarely touched on per- 
sonal experiences. He became interested in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at eighteen years 



Pillars the Temple. 



313 



of age, and joined himself to this people when 
poor and every-where spoken against. He was 
residing at Farminghain, a strong Congrega- 
tional town of wealth and numbers, when he 
had his name put on the records of the little 
country Church at Weston. He was. therefore, 
one of the fruits of the old Needham circuit, of 
whose history much has been said, but no more 
than it deserves. 

He clung to his Church with no narrow affec- 
tion, his broad sympathies including all Chris- 
tians in his love and labors. He was zealous 
for every true reform. The Temperance cause 
found him one of its earliest and latest advo- 
cates and helpers. The Antislavery cause 
leaned on him for support in its beginning, as 
in its victory. The poor student received a 
kindly word, and kindlier gift from him. The 
free church was his favorite. He knew what it 
was to be a poor youth in a large city, and he 
wanted every church in every part freely 
opened to them all. Grace Church, in the city 
of Boston, is largely indebted to him for its 
establishment. 

He worked well with his brethren. With 
verv strong convictions, " notions." some mio-ht 
call them, he was not" difficult to please. The 
general good, not his particular idea of it. was 
in his mind, and he yielded to the judgment of 
the whole with a cheerfulness and co-operatjou 



3U 



Pillars in the Temple. 



that is not always seen in one whose help was 
so essential for the carrying out of the plans 
adopted. 

He was deeply interested in the work of 
Southern education, helped liberally the Amer- 
ican Missionary Association, and visited Charles- 
ton three times in supervising the work in our 
Church and in the college that so properly 
bears its name. 

Few of our members are wider or better 
known. His benevolence has flowed for a 
generation in a ceaseless stream, nay, rather in 
a broad inundation. It was more diffused than 
that of any other person of whom we have 
heard. Every liberal man of wealth has his 
own way of disposing of his revenue. He has a 
right to exercise his own judgment in this mat- 
ter. It is his duty so to do. As every popular 
preacher has his own style of presenting the 
Gospel, and only succeeds because he conforms 
to that style, so every steward of God's money 
must, as a faithful and wise steward, use his 
own best sense in its disposition. The causes 
for which there are appeals are very numerous, 
and of a different character, though of one 
general aim. Some require large amounts; a 
small sum will not move their huge machinery. 
Others need but little aid, and a few hundred 
dollars will make them successful. The latter 
sort are far more numerous than the former, if 



Pillars est the Temple. 



345 



not far more necessitous, Mr. Claflin, or Father 
Claflin, as his brethren loved to call him, wisely 
united both of these classes in the range of his 
benevolence. He gave help to every poor 
Church that applied. We think we use the 
right word in saying " every," for we doubt if 
any worthy applicant of this sort was ever sent 
empty away. He gave them wisely, too. It 
was always the last hundred or thousand dollars 
of the amount they needed. Wo entreaty could 
modify this decision. " How much do you ab- 
solutely need ? " was the mild, low query. " I 
will give the last — ." Undoubtedly, not a few 
brethren are busy now building up their sub- 
scription to the height required for his cap- 
stone. But while every such applicant found 
help, great enterprises were none the less wisely 
fostered. He was the financial father and 
founder of our first Theological Seminary, and 
so of all. He felt the need of clerical educa- 
tion. He gave the institution his strong support 
from the start. He was its chief helper for 
years. He was always in favor of its location 
in Boston, and offered it years ago a handsome 
property in Newton if it would change its loca- 
tion. He also gave Middletown and Wilbrahatn 
liberal donations. 

The faculty and students of the Wilbraham 
Academy, on hearing of the death of Hon. Lee 
Claflin, unanimously adopted the following : 



346 Pillars in the Temple. 



" Whereas it has pleased our heavenly Father 
to remove by death Hon. Lee Glaflin, one of the 
oldest Trustees and most liberal benefactors of 
this institution ; therefore, 

" Resolved, 1. That we, the faculty and stu- 
dents of the Wesley an Academy, feel that in this 
dispensation of Divine Providence we are deeply 
bereaved. 

" 2. That we gratefully acknowledge -the 
goodness of God in raising up such a friend to 
liberal and Christian education, and in sparing 
him for so many years to bless this and other 
literary institutions by his wise counsels, his 
potent influence, and his generous benefac- 
tions. 

" 3. That wo recognize in the life and char- 
acter of the departed a rare example of a faith- 
ful steward of the Lord, diligent and just in the 
accumulation of wealth, meek and unostentatious 
in its possession, prudent and unselfish in its 
use, and wisely discriminating and disinterest- 
edly generous in its distribution. 

"4. That, while we unite with the Church 
and the multitude whom his life has so greatly 
benefited in mourning his loss, we rejoice that 
his benefactions and his example will continue 
to bless the world, and that he whose work has 
been so well done is forever at rest, and his 
reward is sure. 

" 5. That we earnestly invite the friends of 



Pillars in the Temple. 



347 



education to unite their prayers with ours that 
those who are reaping the fruits of the life "just 
rounded to its close ?? may inherit a large meas- 
ure of the unselfish. Christ-like spirit of their 
benefactor, that the God of all grace will com- 
fort the bereaved, and that he will raise up 
worthy successors to him who has fallen. 55 

The amount of his donations is not known. 
He kept a partial record of them, but probably 
not a complete account. An estimate in " The 
Boston Traveler puts these gifts as high as a 
million of dollars. It is doubted b}- those best 
able to know if it reached that sum, but they 
were undoubtedly very large, probably larger 
than any one person, except possibly Daniel 
Drew, has yet given in our Church. 

His first benefaction, it is said, was in con- 
nection with the Church at Shrewsbury. He was 
then a very busy merchant and manufacturer in 
the rising trade of shoes and leather, which, then 
in its beginnings, has since won the leadership 
in the trade of Xew England. His attention 
had been seldom drawn to Church enterprises, 
large or small ; but on the persuasion of Rev. 
Dr. Hascall he interested himself in this strug- 
gling enterprise, and then advanced to his 
ultimate remarkable liberality in that and 
all directions His first donation to Weit 
leyan University was made about the same 
time. 



318 



Pillars in the Temple. 



"Zion's Herald" says : "The oldest of our 
best-known laymen, Hon. Lee Claflin, died at 
the residence of his son, Gov. Claflin, in this 
city, on Thursday morning, February 23, 1871, 
at half past seven o'clock, in the eightieth year 
of his age. About two months before his death 
a kerosene lamp fell from the sill of a window 
as he was taking it up. . In picking up the 
broken glass some pieces penetrated his hand. 
Inflammation of the nerves and bone ensued. 
About two weeks before his death he came from 
his residence in Hopkinton to the city to undergo 
the amputation of one of his fingers. His 
month and over of suffering had reduced his 
strength, and he did not rally from the surgical 
operation. He was out of his mind for nearly 
a week, and he sank away, with only occasional 
recognition of his family, until Thursday morn- 
ing, when he breathed his last. 

" He is gone ! His pleasant smile, low voice, 
unassuming manner, genial nature, under per- 
fect self-control, will not soon be forgotten. Of 
but few men can it be more truly said, ' He 
rests from his labors, and his works do follow 
him.' They will long follow him. For ages and 
ages from the Churches he helped to build, the 
ministers he helped to educate, the institutions 
he helped to establish, will there follow him to 
the city celestial benedictions on his wise benefi- 
cence. Few men have ever more faithfully or 



Pillars in the Temple. 



349 



successfully applied the advice of our Saviour, 
i Make to yourselves friends of the mammon 
of unrighteousness, that when ye' fail they 
may receive you into everlasting habitations.' 
His example will not be lost on his associates 
and successors. He has taught many a younger 
member of our Church, growing in wealth, that 
the only reason why God gives the capacity for 
business is precisely the same reason as that 
which makes him give others eloquence, that 
they may give it back in benevolent deeds, as 
they give theirs back in preaching the Gospel. 

" His last conversations on religion were char- 
acteristic ; full of humility and self-distrust, yet 
calm reliance on a Divine Redeemer. He said 
he had done but little, and left undone much. 
Xo self-confidence, no self-praise. 4 Less than 
the least of all saints.' was his perpetual motto. 
He was happy in his humility, and his last 
attempted utterance was the singing of the 
hymn, 

I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, 
And when my voice is lost in death, 
Praise shall employ my nobler powers. 

His funeral was attended at Hopkinton on 
the Saturday after his death. A large com- 
pany was present, including representatives of 
the Hide and. Leather Bank, Shoe and Leather 
Exchange, ministers, Trustees of Grace Church 
and of Boston University, Eev, Mr, Bemis 



350 Pillars m the Temple. 

conducted the services. Rev. Messrs. Hamble- 
ton, Fish, and Crowell assisted. 

Rev. Dr. Clarke made an impressive address. 
He spoke of the three leading traits in his career 
of charity: his bestowment of his goods in his 
own lifetime, the cheerfulness with which he 
gave, and the conscious sacrifice he made. In 
illustration of these points he gave several happy 
incidents, one of which was that since his retire- 
ment from active work he has often gone into 
the woods and cut wood all day, and sent it to the 
poor people of his town. The hymn he quoted 
in his dving hours was suno\ and also another 
of his favorite hymns, which every one should 
read to know how a rich man prized wealth: 

" My God, my portion, and my love. 5 ' 

Read these verses, and think of the man who 
gave away not less than half a million of dollars 
to benevolent causes. Thus goes to his rest a 
good man, full of faith, and love, and works. 
May many imitate for ages his holy example! 

His excellency Hon. William Claflin, son of 
the subject of this sketch, and late Governor of 
the State of Massachusetts, says : " My father's 
life was filled with labors for the Church, and he 
delighted in her prosperity spiiitually more than 
in her material success. He was not much of 
a politician, although he was elected to the 
House and Senate of the State, He was always 



Pillars in the Temple. 351 



a reformer, being identified with antislavery and 
various temperance parties. In the Church he 
early became identified with the lay movement, 
not because he disliked the ministry, for they 
will never have a warmer friend, but because 
he believed the principle to be just." 



SAMUEL DEYEAU. 

SAMUEL DEVEAU was born in New Eo- 
chelle, N. T., November 18, 1804. He was 
a descendant of Frederick M. Deveau, who was 
the first in that place to open his doors and 
invite Francis Asbury to preach soon after his 
arrival in America ; so his is a historic name. 
Samuel's parents were Methodists, and he was 
early taught that the " fear of the Lord is the 
beginning of wisdom." At the age of nineteen, 
when the dew of his youth was upon him, he 
went to reside in New York city. Here he 
early responded to the call of heaven, u Speak, 
Lord, for thy servant heareth. 55 He found it 
"good to bear the yoke in his' youth." It 
shaped his destiny. It had an influence on all 
his future history. 

He identified himself with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at what was called the " Two- 
Mile Stone," now Seventh-street, Church, long 
one of the most honored and useful Churches 



352 Pillars in the Temple. 



in the city. Fort3 T -eight years he was a member 

tJ ml CD d 

of this Church ; he was with it in its infancy 
and its maturity, in its struggles and triumphs. 
" The righteous shall be in everlasting remem- 
brance." Samuel Deveau deserves to be held 
in everlasting remembrance on account of his 
numerous excellences and virtues. 

He was a man of untiring industry. He was 
diligent in business as well as fervent in spirit, 
serving the Lord. He blended both together. 
" Seest thou a man diligent in business ? he shall 
stand before kings; he shall not stand before 
mean men." 

Samuel Deveau redeemed the time. While 
many in the city were in bed, he rose at five 
o'clock and was attending to his business. And 
this he did through a long life. 

He was distinguished for his honesty, for his 
fidelity in his business relations ; therefore he 
was employed by one company for a number 
of consecutive years. He had their fullest con- 
fidence. He could be trusted. He u provided 
things honest in the sight of all men." A 
volume might be written in regard to his hon- 
esty, his fidelity. What we have to do with 
more particularly is his Christian character. 
He. was distinguished for cheerful piety. He 
knew nothing of " sour godliness ; " he " served 
the Lord with gladness;" "he walked in the 
light;" he scattered sunshine; he grew old 



Pillars in the Temple. 353 



gracefully,- growing more mellow as the autumn 
approached. 

He was distinguished for decision of char- 
acter. That is what Eobert Pollok called 
"the fulcrum of the moral powers." There 
was nothing zigzag in his course. He never 
turned aside ; he never faltered ; he never 
hesitated. The only question with him was, 
What is duty? and he cheerfully performed it. 
In answer to the question, 

" What now is ray object and aim, 
What now is my hope and desire? ' ? 

he was ever ready to answer, 

" To follow the heavenly Lamb, 
And after his image aspire." 

Amid all the isms that came up. during his 
long Christian pilgrimage he was never moved * 
He was firm and unyielding as the rock. 

He was distinguished for his intense love for 
Zion. He loved the Church as he loved the 
mother who dandled him on her knees and 
watched his infant smiles. He never forgot her 
interests ; he never forgot her claims ; he pre- 
ferred her " above his chief joy" 

" I love thy kingdom, Lord, 

The house of thine abode ; 
The Church our blest Redeemer saved 

With his own precious blood." 

He showed his love for the Church by his uni- 
23 



854 PlLLAES IX THE Te^IPLS. 



form presence in the sanctuary; he was always 
at his post. He showed his love to the Church 
by sustaining all her interests, her enterprises, 
and her institutions. This he did by his services 
and by his money. He was a liberal man, and 
he devised liberal things ; he was not only con- 
verted in his head and heart, but in his purse ; 
he did not think much of any man's religion 
that did not cost him any thing. 

He was distinguished as a Sabbath-school 
laborer. He did not belong to the class who 
teach a little while and then retire when the 
novelty is over. For years he was an efficient 
superintendent, having great influence with the 
teachers and the scholars. He was also for a 
long time teacher of a Bible-class. He had an 
% excellent knowledge of the Scriptures. He 
searched them ; he dug into their precious mines 
of truth ; he diligently prepared his lessons to 
qualify him to teach successfully, knowing no 
one can teach what they do not understand. 
His dying hour found him a Bible-class teacher. 
He was distinguished for fidelity in every posi- 
tion in which he could be placed. He was 
a superior class-leader. Healed the members 
into green pastures and beside still waters, As 
a steward, he was faithful. As a member of the 
Board of Trustees, over which during his later 
years he presided, he was energetic and reliable. 
He was distinguished for his love for the min- 



Pillars m the Temple. 355 

istry. and for holding up their hands. In him 
they found a wise counselor and a faithful friend. 
He " esteemed them highly in love for their 
works' sake. 55 He was a kind of under-shep- 
herd, a kind of pastor ; when the regular pastor 
was away he would see the pulpit supplied. 
He made himself generally useful. He was 
not an officious meddler. He never put up 
an unhallowed hand to steady the ark, nor 
opened it and looked into it to see if all things 
were right. 

In his domestic relations he was happy. 
Twice he was married. He leaves a widow 
and several children to mourn the loss of one 
of the best of husbands and one of the kindest 
of fathers. His death was sudden, but it was 
honorable to the religion he had so long pro- 
fessed. Death cannot come at the wrong time 
to the Christian. The lamp of life never goes 
out in the chamber of dying saints^ leaving 
them in the dark ; the Angel of the Cove- 
nant never forsakes any of his followers in the 
trying hour when eyes grow dim and hands 
grow cold. 

He spent some time at Saratoga Springs. 
The Sabbath before he died he attended the 
preaching of the word. He returned to his 
boarding-house feeling ilk On Monday he re- 
turned to New York, was worse, but was not 
considered dangerously ill until Wednesday, and 



s 



356 Pillars in the Temple. 

on Friday afternoon, the 11th of August, 1871, 
he fell asleep. During his illness his mind was 
kept in perfect peace. He rejoiced that "his 
house was set in order/' his "lamp trimmed 
and burning. 5 ' 66 Blessed is that servant who, 
when his Lord cometh, shall be found waiting." 
Several times he said, " What a poor time this 
would be to seek God!" Before he died he 
was asked if all was well. He answered. " Yes ; 
no fear." 

He said to his weeping companion, " God is 
with me, and he will be with you and the chil- 
dren." This was # his farewell message to her 
about to be left a "widow, and to his children 
about to be left orphans. It reminds us of the 
dying Wesley, who said, " The best of all is, 
God is with us ; " and of Jacob, who said, 
" Behold, I die, but God shall be with you/' 

His funeral was attended by crowds on- the 
Sabbath day from the Seventh-street Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Appropriate addresses, full 
of tenderness, were made by his Pastor, Rev. 
C. Backman, and his former Pastor, Eev. C. 
Fletcher. Devout men made lamentation 
over him, followed him to the grave, and 
buried him in his native place with his 
fathers. 

The Seventh- street Methodist Episcopal 
Church has lost one of its strongest pillars, 
but he has become a pillar in the temple of 



Pillars w the Temple. 



357 



his God, to go out no more forever. She has 
lost one of her most successful laborers, but 
the heavenly land has unfolded its boundless 
loveliness, and welcomed him to its rest and 
refreshment forever. 



EALPH MEAD.* 

RALPH MEAD, son of Edmund and The- 
odosia Mead, was born in Greenwich, Con- 
necticut, April 4, 1789. He came to New 
York when but fourteen years of age, and 
entered into clerkship in the employ of Mr. 
Samuel Tooker, with whom he served seven 
years. 

Mr. Tooker always prophesied for young 
Mead a brilliant future. His long and faithful 
clerkship gave him a thorough acquaintance 
with his profession, and constituted one of the 
chief elements of success. IVhen he had at- 
tained his majority he set up business for him- 
self. All the capital he had was his thorough 
mercantile experience, public confidence, and 
what little money by strict economy he had 
saved out of his small salary. 

* The material for this narrative came to hand too late to be 
inserted in the volume in its chronological order. Instead of 
this being a defect, however, it makes a most fitting and happy 
conclusion to this book of narratives in honor of our laymen. 



358 



Pillars m the Temple. 



Young Mead took the store No, 74 Pearl- 
street, corner of Coenties Slip— one of those old 
Dutch buildings with the gable end to the 
street, At that time it was one hundred and 
nineteen years old } having the date of its erec- 
tion on the house, 

Miss Sarah Holrnes ? of West Bloomfield, New 
Jersey, was a beautiful girl with dark eyes, ex- 
pressive forehead, handsome features, and grace- 
ful form. While visiting her sister, residing in 
Kew York city, Ralph Mead made her acquaint- 
ance, and in 1813, at the age of twenty-one, she 
became his wife, and commenced housekeeping 
with him over his store, in the lower part of 
the city. Bishop Janes says, " She was a lady 
of uncommon merit, made his home very hap- 
py, and contributed largely to his business 
prosperity. 55 

During the war of 1812 Ralph Mead, then 
doing a large business, served two years in the 
military defense of his country. He belonged 
to the Second Regiment of Xew York State 
Artillery. 

The entire regiment volunteered for the war, 
and it was stationed at the Battery Fort, now 
called Castle Garden. During the continuation 
of the war with England speculation ran very 
high. The price of every thing ran up. Sugar 
was forty cents per pound by the quantity, 
molasses $2 per gallon, hyson skin tea $3 per 



Pillars in the Temple. 



359 



pound, and other things in proportion. At the 
close of the war prices still contined to advance ; 
there were few goods in the market. Banks 
were few in number, and refused to aid their 
customers, and would hardly discount the best 
of paper. Money was very scarce. It was* a 
time of great financial distress. Those were the 
days that tried men's souls. 

But Mr. Mead, our young merchant and 
patriot, came out of the storm unscathed, and 
had the confidence of business men. He was 
popular among business circles. He prospered 
and made money. His business increased, and 
he bought the store next door to No. 13 Coeu- 
ties Slip. After taking down the old buildings 
he erected a large and substantial store on the 
same ground. 

The firm was first known as that of Mead & 
Holmes. Then it was changed to Ralph Mead 
& Co. This venerable old merchant remained 
in business at the same place where he -began 
in 1810, until he retired from mercantile life in 
the year 1859, making forty-nine years. 

The business was then continued by his 
nephews, his son Melville, and son-in-law Edwin 
Hyde, under the firm of E. & E. Mead & Co. 
Mr. Mead was a very strong friend of the tem- 
perance cause. At the time they commenced 
housekeeping the custom was very general of ■ 
keeping decanters of wine and ardent spirits 



360 Pillars in the Temple. 



on the sideboard, to which visitors might help 
themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Mead soon deter- 
mined that no guest should drink intoxicating 
beverages in their house, so the decanters 
were removed from the sight of their visitors. 
When he commenced business as a wholesale 
grocery merchant, according to the almost uni- 
versal custom he included distilled liquors in 
his stock. He saw so much evil resulting from 
their use that he soon began to question the 
lawfulness of the traffic. He was just beginning 
business, his capital was small, and the larger 
part of his profits was from this brancli of trade ; 
but, convinced that the traffic was in itself 
wrong, he promptly abandoned it at all hazards. 
At the close of the next year's business he was 
surprised to find that he had lost nothing in 
profits, and had gained in public confidence. 
This incident illustrates the moral integrity 
and conscientious uprightness which character- 
ized his whole business life and insured his suc- 
cess. In his old age he often spoke of this act 
as affording him- great satisfaction in the recol- 
lection of it. In 1819 the loss of a beloved 
child led both himself and wife to seek the sal- 
vation of their souls. Immediately after their 
conversion they joined the John-street Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. He was soon after 
elected a trustee, and appointed a class-leader. 
He was one of the brethren who associated 



Pillars in the Temple, 361 

together to build the Mulberry-street Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and by his money, influence, 
and personal services, contributed more than any 
other person to the success of that enterprise. 
He was a trustee and class-leader during the 
whole of its history.* He was also among the 
most active and responsible of the brethren who 
built the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, 
of which he was both trustee and class-leader 
from itS organization till his death. 

He was remarkably prompt and regular in 
his attention to all his official duties. He de- 
lighted in the services of the sanctuary, and in 
the social means of grace. On his family altar 
the fire went not out, and daily incense ascend- 
ed to heaven. 

He was for many years a manager of the 
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and also of the American Bible Society. 
His fellow-citizens manifested their confidence 
in his business capacity and integrity, and their 
appreciation of his public spirit, by electing him 
a director of several banks and insurance com- 

* By the energy and large liberality of Mr. Mead and oth- 
ers this church was erected. It was dedicated by Dr. Bangs. 
Robert Seney was its first pastor. Much prejudice existed at 
the time against this new enterprise. The church was 
thought too grand, too costly, etc But God blessed the work 
of these men, and soon four hundred souls were concerted 
and added to the Church. 



362 



Pillars in the Temple. 



parries, and of that very large corporation, the 
Erie Railway. 

On the occasion of Mr. Mead's death these 
corporations passed very highly appreciative 
resolutions as a tribute to his memory. The 
following is the action taken by the Board of 
Directors of the National Mechanics' Banking 
Association of New York at a special meeting 
held at their banking-house for that purpose, 
Thursday, July 26, 1866 : 

" Whereas. It has pleased Almighty God to 
take from us by death our beloved and respected 
friend and fellow-director, Ralph Mead ; there- 
fore be it 

"Resolved, 1. That the long and valued asso- 
ciation with our late friend, whom we so highly 
respected for Iris many virtues, his high Chris- 
tian character, his simplicity, his charitable, 
kind, and benevolent disposition, and firm and 
consistent honesty of purpose in all things, being 
now brought to a close by his death at an 
advanced age and full of honors, we bow with 
humble submission to the all-wise decree, be- 
lieving that our loss is indeed great gain to him. 

" 2. That we tender to his family our sympa- 
thies in their bereavement of a father so highly 
esteemed by all. 

" 3. That these resolutions be entered on the 
minutes of the Board, and a copy of the same 
sent to the family of the deceased." 



PlLLABS IN THE TEMPLE. 363 

Extract from the Minutes of the American 
Bible Society : 

" Whereas it has pleased God in his infinite 
wisdom to remove by death our esteemed fellow- 
laborer, Mr. Ralph Mead, therefore be it 

"Resolved, 1. That in the decease of Mr. Mead 
the Board of Managers of the American Bible 
Society, while submitting humbly to the decis- 
ions of Infinite Wisdom, mourn the departure 
of a venerated and highly esteemed coadjutor. 
Elected a manager in 1840, and in 1846 ap- 
pointed on the Committee, as it was then, of 
Publication and Finance, he has served with us 
in all faithfulness and godly sincerity until called 
by his heavenly Master from labor to rest. We 
mourn our loss, while we rejoice that his end 
was peace. He died at his residence in this city 
on Monday, July 23, 1866, in the seventy-eighth 
year of his age. 

66 2. That the above resolution be recorded in 
the journal, and a copy sent to the family of the 
deceased. 53 

Action of the Erie Railroad Company : 

" Whereas the President has communicated 
to the Board the intelligence of the decease of 
Ralph Mead, who has been a director in this 
company for twelve years, 

u Resolved , 1. That we have heard this an- 
nouncement with unfeigned sorrow. As a mer- 
chant, he was upright, truthful, honest, and 



364 Pillars in the Templb, 



honorable, and merited the success which he 
achieved. As a director of this company, he 
was faithful and attentive to its interests, and 
ready to aid its officers by his good judgment 
and common sense, and by the use of his great 
means. As a companion, he was genial and 
sunny-tempered; and as a citizen, he was just, 
charitable, mindful of his duties, and always 
acted from a sense of religious responsibility. 

2. That as a tribute of respect to his memory 
the flags on the buildings of the company be 
shown at half-mast during the week. 

" 3. That the Secretary be instructed to trans- 
mit a copy of these resolutions to the family of 
the deceased, and that this Board attend the 
funeral this P.M." 

From the minutes of the Corn Exchange 
Insurance Company: 

" Whereas Ralph Mead, our late esteemed 
friend and associate, ^ 7 ho has been connected 
with this institution for many years, having been 
removed from our midst by death — and while 
we bow in reverential submission to His will 
4 who doeth all things well 5 — we deeply feel the 
loss we have sustained in this bereavement, and 
herewith tender our sincere sympathy to his 
family in their affliction. 

" Resolved, That the Secretary be directed 
to enter the above in full upon the minutes, and 
forward a copy to the family of the deceased." 



Pillars in the Temple. 



Mr. Daniel Drew says : " I knew him long 
and intimately. He was one of our first men 
in the Church, and in his death not only the 
Church, where he was most liberal, but the 
business interests of the community, " sustained 
a great and irreparable loss. Let his energy, 
fidelity, and moral honesty be copied by all 
business men." 

October- 5, 1842, his beloved wife died, leav- 
ing six children — two sons and four daughters. 

His eldest son, Mr. Samuel Holmes Mead, 
married the daughter of Mr. F. T. Lnqueer, 
distinguished for the large hardware business 
he conducted in Hanover Square. 

Mr. Melville Emory Mead is a highly intelli- 
gent business man and Christian gentleman. 
He married Miss Elizabeth B. Hyde, a daughter 
of Mr. Joseph B. Hyde, of Auburn. He was 
named in honor of Bishop Emory, who expressed 
himself highly pleased with the new pewed 
chapel erected on Mulberry-street principally by 
the energy and benevolent contributions of his 
father, Mr. Ralph Mead. 

The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married Mr. 
Edwin Hyde, who is partner in the above firm, 
and is highly esteemed as a Christian gentle- 
man and thorough business man, 

Lydia Amelia married Mr. Nathan J. Bailey, 
formerly of the large grocery house of Hoffman 
& Bailey. 

; $ 



306 



PlLLAES IX THE TEMPLE. 



Harriet married Mr. Philip A., son of the late 
Mr. James Harper, late mayor of the city of 
Uew York. 

Caroline H. married the Rev. Archibald C. 
Foss, a prominent member of the New York 
Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and for some time Professor in Middle- 
town University. He died abroad. 

In 1846 Mr. Mead was again married to Miss 
Ann E. Tan Wyek, of Fishkill, K ew York. Her 
decease in 1860 left him for the second time a 
widower. His subsequent years were spent with 
his affectionate and dutiful children. He wa-s a 
very loving, considerate, and kind husband and 
father. He sought assiduously to promote every 
interest of his family, but especially their spir- 
itual good. God gave him the great happiness 
of seeing all his children, and many of his 
grandchildren, walking in the ways of wisdom. 
A true man, a most worthy citizen, a faithful 
friend, and a devout Christian, he was held in 
high honor while living, and is deeply mourned 
now that he is dead. 



THE END. 




/ 



